Aug 2022 I have the honor to report an update on one of our Centaur aircraft, AH-1G/S/F Cobra #68-17040 “Kentucky Woman,” courtesy of the fine people of the Hurst-Turner American and Auxiliary Legion Post #65, Statesville, North Carolina.
Nearly two years ago, we located AH-1G 68-17040 “Kentucky Woman” from a reference tip she was on display American Legion Post #65 and shared war-period photographs along with the history as we knew it then. At that time, there was uncertainty if 040 served in both Centaur units, and the post-war history was vague indicating the aircraft went to NASA. Post #65 was thrilled to learn the legacy of the aircraft they had placed on the property in tribute decades ago and one talented young lady, Amy Morris, created a short film to memorialize the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxpuaVbABYE
In September 2002, Post #65 received the aircraft and it has been on display since, wearing several paint patterns over that time. When the post membership learned the story of "Kentucky Woman," they honored her legacy by restoring her colors as a tribute to all Vietnam veterans, and especially the Centaurs. By placing their aircraft online with the new information, post members contributed additional history through men formerly associated with Cobra 040.
Mr. Dave Catterson of Las Vegas, Nevada posted the comment he served as crew chief of AH1-S 68-17040 with B Troop 4/7 Cavalry at Camp Stanley in Uijeongbu, Korea in 1982. Crew Chief Greg Gowers of Austell, Georgia states "She was an AH-1F at Camp LaGuardia D Troop 4/7 Cav in 1987. I was her crew chief during that time. Her call name on the maintenance book was "EatMeSix". Here is a photo taken at an Air Force gun range after I replaced her tail rotor assembly, all hanger bearings, and driveshafts. The pilot backed her into some trees on accident."
Also related, Mr. Joseph Baugher, who manages USASC-USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Military Aircraft Serial Numbers—1908 to Present, the web site that provided the Post #65 location tip, verified that a 1967 entry for OH-6A Cayuse 67-16040 belonging to D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th (Air) Cavalry that reads "Named 'Kentucky Woman.' Accident into a rice paddy after both rockets hung up in the inboard pods at the same time while on a test flight. The end of the rocket pod burned out and knocked off the tail rotor. The aircraft rolled onto its side after touchdown" was intended for our AH-1G/S/F Cobra #68-17040 “Kentucky Woman.”
This begs the question if anyone remembers a Cobra incident of this description occurring, possibly late 70 or early 71? Our available Daily Reports from 1970 are fragmented and only extend to May. If our aircraft data is correct, 68-17040 began in D Troop in December 1969 with one hour logged. She finished with the unit in February 1971 with 1346 total hours.