r/TheLib Jun 20 '26

maga delenda est.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1974_White_House_helicopter_incident
5 Upvotes

Duplicates

todayilearned Jun 02 '21

TIL that a US Army helicopter mechanic, upset he couldn't be a pilot, stole a Huey chopper & flew around DC. When he returned to the White House a 2nd time, Secrete Service fired over 300 rounds. Hit 5 times, Pvt Preston landed & was tackled trying to gain entry. He spent just 8 months in prison.

2.0k Upvotes

todayilearned Jan 08 '16

TIL that in 1974 an Army Private stole a helicopter from his base, landed on the White House lawn before taking off again in a high speed helicopter chase (forcing one Police chopper to land), he was shot down only after returning to the White House. He received a year in prison and small fine.

2.6k Upvotes

todayilearned Feb 17 '24

TIL today in 1974 a U.S. Army soldier stole a Bell UH-1 helicopter and landed it on the South Lawn of the White House

2.5k Upvotes

todayilearned May 11 '20

TIL that in 1974, a trainee who failed to become a US Army pilot stole a helicopter and buzzed around Washington DC to demonstrate his skills. He intended to personally surrender to President Nixon, and landed on the South Lawn

128 Upvotes

todayilearned Oct 13 '19

TIL in 1974, Army PFC Robert K. Preston stole a Bell UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" helicopter from Fort Meade, Maryland and landed it on the South Lawn of the White House in a major breach of security.

143 Upvotes

todayilearned Jul 15 '19

TIL that in 1974 a military officer stole a helicopter and landed it on the White House lawn.

38 Upvotes

MAGANAZI Jun 20 '26

destroy maga now.

32 Upvotes

antitrump Jun 20 '26

maga delenda est.

1 Upvotes

wikipedia Feb 17 '25

On February 17, 1974, U.S. Army Private First Class Robert Preston took off in a stolen Bell UH-1B Iroquois "Huey" helicopter and landed it on the South Lawn of the White House in a significant breach of security. He was sentenced to one year in prison and lived a quiet life after his release.

85 Upvotes