Say His Name to Remember: LTC Roger H. Coye

While official investigations often focus on the technical and procedural aspects of such events, eyewitness accounts can provide a more human perspective, shedding light on the actions and decisions that may not always be captured in the official narrative. In this case, the eyewitness remembers a crew that fought valiantly to manage a crisis, displaying remarkable professionalism even as the situation spiraled out of control.  Below is the eyewitness account of the incident:

“I just read the report concerning this accident. I believe additional information is needed with regards to the circumstances that may have been a factor as to why the accident occurred. I was there the day the helicopter crashed. I was an RTO for the Captain who was in charge of the air lift. The first lift of twenty five helicopters had taken off, but the helicopter assigned to be our Command and Control ship had not arrived. It was being refueled. While the refueling was taking place, the twenty five helicopters had reached the forward LZ and had unloaded the members of our battalion they had ferried to that location. This was done as they were all being fired on by the enemy. Our Battalion Commanded radioed to my Captain that they were receiving enemy fire. This radio call was also being monitored by the men who were going on the C&C ship when it arrived. Shortly after this radio message, we could hear the returning twenty five helicopters far off in the distance. At the same time, the assigned C&C arrived at our location. The C&C ship took on it’s passengers, then flew towards the tree line at the end of the airstrip. I think the mindset of the helicopter pilots, our unit’s S-3 Officer and our Sergeant Major was to get to the forward LZ as soon as they could despite the craft being over loaded. They took the risk and lost. Had the forward LZ not been under fire, I don’t think this accident would have occurred. There would have been no reason to take such a risk. The improper trim setting and the issue of not following proper procedures, to me, is not the mark of a bad pilot in this case. I think it is more likely the pilot was doing everything he knew to do to keep the craft in the air. To me, these men were focused on trying to get to the forward area where they knew they were needed. Their collective concern and their bravery led to this unfortunate tragedy.”

LTC Coye was the pilot who was injured and died one month later.

For many, this alternative perspective serves as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by those in aviation, who are often thrust into life-or-death situations where the outcome is uncertain. Although the official record may hold the crew accountable for the incident, the eyewitness account offers a powerful reminder of their bravery, and the tragic loss of life remains a somber reflection of their dedication to their craft.

This shift in viewpoint highlights the complexities of such incidents, showing that the story is not always as simple as the official reports suggest. It serves as a poignant tribute to those who serve in aviation, often without recognition, until the tragic events unfold.