S/N #66-14431

An MH-53J originally from the 551st SOS, but assigned to MCAS Cherry Point for depot level maintenance was destroyed by a USMC pilot on an acceptance check flight. It took off into a hover, but had no oil in the intermediate gear box, which subsequently seized up. The oil level gauge was stained at the full level. This caused a change in the T.O. to shake the aircraft and visually confirm oil movement to prevent future mishaps.

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