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FIRST NOMEX TEST

This episode took place around September or October of 1968. It is related here because it was reported by the local flight surgeon as being the first "field test" of the new nomex flight suits. One can speculate on the authenticity of that comment, but it was definitely the first test of them for the Flying Circus.

John Hewitt and Phil Bishop were on a mission, suitably adorned in their new nomex flight suits, which had only arrived a day or two earlier. They were low and slow, scouting "spider holes" when they came under fire. In their attempt to depart the area quickly, a blade came into contact with the ground and the OH-13 dug into the sand. The fuel tanks lurched forward, spilling fuel around the cockpit area which was soon alight.

John recalled Phil leaving the aircraft as he was also departing the machine. Unfortunately, John’s helmet cord became wrapped up in his shoulder strap and he had to cut it with his knife. This delay increased the time John was exposed to the fire, but he was soon moving away from the helicopter at a great rate of knots.

John related later that his forearm had some burning fuel on it, but that he merely slapped it with his other hand to put it out. The nomex material had done its job, and there were no burns to his arm. Unfortunately though, some areas that were not covered by this material did not fair so well. He was left with no eyelashes on his left eye and the left side of his handlebar mustache was burned off. Phil reported that it burned like a fuse. John was proud of that mustache, so he was not pleased about this - to say the least.

information supplied by Phil Bishop, William Sullivan, Frank Vanatta

What is left of the OH-13. by P. Bishop