H-43s in Arizona

[Larry Wielgosz]

The H-43 airframes were held by a crop sprayer not far from Goodyear, AZ. They had two flyable HH-43Fs at the time. The photos were taken in Dec. 1986. They were almost on the outskirts of Luke AFB, AZ.






Larry

[C VEICH]

These would be those operated by the Moseley's for spraying and heavy lift services. Unfortunately, my good friend and classmate Ernie Moseley was killed in one of the Kaman's in the mid-90's.

[Larry Wielgosz]

C. Veich
Sorry to hear about your close friend. Any idea what happened if you don't mind me asking? Thanks.

Larry

[Nathan]

Larry, THANK you forp osting these awesome pictures!!!! Some of my favorite threads so far this year. I am a boneyard buff and these are great! I wish I could have a backyard of some tired warbirds.

[Larry Wielgosz]

You are more than welcome. I enjoy showing them. I'll keep them coming. Any requests? Don't know I'll have it but you never know.

Larry

[Warbird Kid]

Would be nice to obtain one of these beauties for the museum collection. Kaman is an integral chapter in the book of Connecticut Aviation History.

[C VEICH]

C. Veich
Sorry to hear about your close friend. Any idea what happened if you don't mind me asking? Thanks.

Larry

Something let go which allowed the rotors to collide and one of the departing blades severed the tail booms. That's as detailed a description as I was ever privy to. Matt Gunsch may know more if he checks in here.

[Matt Gunsch]

Those were at Mosleys Jackrabbit strip where I worked for season. Ernie's accident occured after I left there. The Huskie had wood blades and when I was there they were finding cracks in the in board ends of the blades. The fix was to remove the bushing, install a plug and fill the area with epoxy under pressure until the cracks were filled then reinstall the bushing and clamp it all together. In Ernie's case, I believe the blade came apart for a unknown reason.

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/GenPDF.asp?id= ... 317&rpt=fa

[Larry Wielgosz]

Thanks for the info. I've done my share of flying in helicopters. Wooden blades kind of scare me some. Even if they were brand new never mind sitting out in a hot dry area. Sun baked. It's a good aircraft though. Thanks.

Larry