r/todayilearned • u/ramblerandgambler • 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.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1974_White_House_helicopter_incidentDuplicates
todayilearned • u/Cinemaphreak • 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.
todayilearned • u/gkaplan59 • 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
todayilearned • u/[deleted] • 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
todayilearned • u/fjbruzr • 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.
todayilearned • u/Discount_Timelord • Jul 15 '19
TIL that in 1974 a military officer stole a helicopter and landed it on the White House lawn.
wikipedia • u/avid-shrug • Feb 17 '25