UH-1N and Maj Haworth loss, 1987, HMLA-269 (attached to HMM-263 in Persian Gulf)

[Al Barbour]

In I believe it was Aug or Sep 1987, Major Haworth, a UH-1N pilot, assigned to HMM-263 from HMLA-269, was on a night Gun shoot in the Persian Gulf. They had just finished the fun shoot and were inbound to the LSD, Maj Haworth told the CC to jettison the ammo cans into the Gulf. The cans were dumped out the rear door. The aircraft experienced tail rotor problems shortly after the cans were jettisoned. Maj Haworth was inbound to the LSD, had to ditch the aircraft in the Gulf. Maj Haworth held the aircraft steady while the Co-pilot, Crew Chief and Gunner exited the aircraft. Maj Haworth's body was never recovered, even though the Navy recovered the UH-1N. This was the first time that the U.S. Marine Corps had a contingent in the Persian Gulf. It was the same time as Operation Earnest Will 1987 was in progress.

The Popasmoke KIA file is missing detailed information on this non-hostile loss during Operation EARNEST WILL in 1987. Please provide any pertinent info to history@popasmoke.com

[phrgflyer]

The aircraft was UH-1N 160447 the date was 4 Oct 87. The co-pilot was 1stLt Melzer and the crew chief was Cpl Michael Gauthier

[Al Barbour]

Thanks for the information - happen to have First Names and any additional information on incident?

[phrgflyer]

I believe that it was Major Daniel Hayworth, the H2P was 1stLt Melzer (do not remember his first name) and crew cheif Cpl Michael Gauthier and there was a gunner aboard, that I do not recall the name. they were on a night gun shoot in the Persian Gulf. I will try to get a copy of the Command Chronology for that period and send it to you.