Film Lens
The documentary covers the tragic incidents involving military helicopters, focusing on a Navy helicopter explosion off the coast of San Francisco that left eight crewmen missing. It discusses the collision of two military aircraft near Hawaii, resulting in the deaths of 30 U.S. Marines and a sailor, marking a significant loss for American forces. The film also shows the safety record of military aircraft, noting that five people were killed in four crashes over two years, indicating serious concerns about aviation safety in the military.
Lieutenant Wesley Van Dorn, a 29-year-old pilot from Greensboro, North Carolina, is featured prominently. He was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a father of two. The film presents personal accounts of Van Dorn's character, emphasizing his leadership qualities and dedication to his crew. The narrative also touches on the wider effects of military aviation safety and the increasing number of accidents, which spiked by 40% between 2013 and 2017.
Why Watch
- •Meet Lieutenant Wesley Van Dorn, a dedicated Navy pilot.
- •Find out about the Navy's worst safety record in aviation.
- •See the impact of military helicopter crashes on families.
- •Discover the rising trend of military aviation accidents.
Did You Know
•Eight crewmen went missing after a Navy helicopter exploded off San Francisco.
•Thirty U.S. Marines and a sailor died in a helicopter crash, the deadliest day for American forces since the war began.
•Five people were killed in four military aircraft crashes over two years.
•Lieutenant Wesley Van Dorn was 29 years old and a graduate of the Naval Academy in 2007.
•Accidents involving military aircraft increased by 40% from 2013 to 2017.
Perfect For
Military history enthusiastsAviation safety advocatesFamilies of service membersDocumentary viewers