Atlantic Ocean – August 22, 1974
On the afternoon of August 22, 1974, a trail race between 12-meter yachts competing for the America’s Cup trophy was taking place about six miles southeast off Point Judith, Rhode Island. Among the media covering the event were two CBS employees, along with a pilot, aboard a Bell-47 helicopter following the progress of the race from 150 – 200 feet in the air.
At about 3:00 p.m., the helicopter suddenly developed control difficulties and spun into the water landing on its side as it hit. One witnesses was quoted as saying, “All of a sudden, the copter started to whirlybird.” Just after striking the water the helicopter rolled over upside down and only the bottoms of its pontoons could be seen.
Several boats in the immediate vicinity quickly raced to the scene including a U.S. Coast Guard vessel. The pilot managed to free himself and came to the surface on his own. As the Coast Guard boat came alongside, Lieutenant David Hosmer dove into the water and pulled a second man from the aircraft. A civilian from another boat rescued the third.
One victim was brought aboard the Coast Guard boat while the others were taken aboard separate civilian vessels. All three vessels then raced to Point Judith where ambulances were waiting to transport the injured. One of the victims, a 26-year-old CBS-TV electrician from Des Plaines, Ill. was pronounced dead on arrival at South County Hospital. The other two men were admitted for treatment, and later recovered.
The helicopter was recovered by the Coast Guard. The cause of the crash was found to be mechanical failure.
Sources:
The Providence Journal, (Massachusetts Edition), “Copter Filming Cup Race Falls; 1 Killed, 2 Hurt”, August 23, 1974, page 1.
The Providence Journal, (Massachusetts Edition), Vessels headed For Downed Craft”, August 23, 1974, page 1.
Westerly Sun, (R.I.), “Two Killed In Rhode Island Waters”, August 23, 1974, page 1.
(Providence) Evening Bulletin, “Tragedy Mars Cup Race”, August 23, 1974, Page 1
Providence Journal Bulletin, “Helicopter Crash Blamed On Control Malfunction”, August 24, 1974, page 10.
