In the early evening hours of Sunday, August 24 the private helicopter of Pen Dragon exploded as it prepared for flight.
The pilot, Stringfellow Hawke, 50, of Washington, D.C. and two crew members, identified as Saint John Hawke, 42, and Dominic Santini, 64, were killed instantly in the blast. APFD and APPD arrived on scene just moments after receiving a 911 call.
Mr. and Mrs. Dragon were to take the helicopter to the mainland for an afternoon of shopping and were almost ready to board the aircraft when it exploded. Neither were seriously injured. According to Mr. Dragon the helicopter had recently been serviced and should have had no mechanical problems that would have caused such a massive failure.
APFD apparently had to deal with a malfunctioning pump on their engine and brought in a Boeing CH-47 'Chinook' flown by Fire Department Chief Dean Anderson. The apparatus was used to dump a foam based fire suppressant to extinguish the flames, while Assistant Chief Uri Jefferson attempted to rescue any survivors, although none were found.
The explosion is under investigation at this time. No statements have been made as to rather it was mechanical failure, pilot error or intentional sabotage. Police officials ask that if you have any information about the incident to please contact them.
On a personal note: Jadey and I would like to thank Chief DeSanta, Fire Chief Anderson and Assistant Fire Chief Jefferson for their selfless duty in coming to our aid. We knew the crew well and this is a tragic day for us all. Jadey would also like to add that her dog, if you can call it that, Turtle was unharmed although she is saddened by the loss of one of her favorite negligee and several thousand dollars worth of shoes.
Reported by - Pen Dragon
The pilot, Stringfellow Hawke, 50, of Washington, D.C. and two crew members, identified as Saint John Hawke, 42, and Dominic Santini, 64, were killed instantly in the blast. APFD and APPD arrived on scene just moments after receiving a 911 call.
Mr. and Mrs. Dragon were to take the helicopter to the mainland for an afternoon of shopping and were almost ready to board the aircraft when it exploded. Neither were seriously injured. According to Mr. Dragon the helicopter had recently been serviced and should have had no mechanical problems that would have caused such a massive failure.
APFD apparently had to deal with a malfunctioning pump on their engine and brought in a Boeing CH-47 'Chinook' flown by Fire Department Chief Dean Anderson. The apparatus was used to dump a foam based fire suppressant to extinguish the flames, while Assistant Chief Uri Jefferson attempted to rescue any survivors, although none were found.
The explosion is under investigation at this time. No statements have been made as to rather it was mechanical failure, pilot error or intentional sabotage. Police officials ask that if you have any information about the incident to please contact them.
On a personal note: Jadey and I would like to thank Chief DeSanta, Fire Chief Anderson and Assistant Fire Chief Jefferson for their selfless duty in coming to our aid. We knew the crew well and this is a tragic day for us all. Jadey would also like to add that her dog, if you can call it that, Turtle was unharmed although she is saddened by the loss of one of her favorite negligee and several thousand dollars worth of shoes.
Reported by - Pen Dragon
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