Helicopter Crash Claims Lives During Filming

July 23rd, 1982

July 23rd, 1982

Helicopter Crash Claims Lives During Filming
How Long Ago?

42 years, 7 months, 20 days ago

Location

Santa Clarita, California, USA

Category

Accidents & Tragedies

People
  • Vic Morrow
  • Myca Dinh Le
  • Rachel Crothers
Links & References
Tags

Helicopter Crash Claims Lives During Filming

During the filming of a segment for 'Twilight Zone: The Movie', actor Vic Morrow and two child actors were tragically killed when a helicopter lost control and crashed onto them on set. The incident occurred in Santa Clarita, California, while the crew was shooting a scene that required a helicopter. The moment became infamous due to the violent nature of the accident and raised significant safety concerns within the film industry.

Vic Morrow was an acclaimed actor.

The incident involved a helicopter crash.

Two child actors also lost their lives.

Led to increased safety standards in film.

What Happened?

While filming a segment for 'Twilight Zone: The Movie', a sequence involving a helicopter went disastrously wrong, resulting in the fatal injuries of actor Vic Morrow and two child actors, Myca Dinh Le and Rachel Crothers. The production was taking place in a remote area near Santa Clarita, California, where extensive pyrotechnic effects and special effects were incorporated into the scene. On that fateful day, as the helicopter flew low over the outdoor set, a sequence involving a dramatic rescue turned catastrophic. The helicopter's pilot attempted to evade a planned explosion on set, leading to the helicopter crashing and fatally striking the three individuals on the ground. The tragic accident raised immediate concerns about safety protocols in the film industry, especially regarding the involvement of child actors in high-risk situations. The incident was widely covered in the media, sparking public outcry and discussions concerning the regulations surrounding the usage of explosives and aviation near filming crews. While the movie continued to be released later, the tragedy overshadowed its production and led to a legal investigation into the circumstances that allowed such a dangerous situation to unfold.

Why Does it Matter?

The incident's aftermath significantly influenced film industry regulations, particularly concerning safety standards for child actors and the use of special effects. This led to tighter regulations and a stronger emphasis on crew safety, enhancing on-set security measures and protocols that would benefit future productions. The tragedy not only underlined the risks associated with filmmaking but also emphasized the necessity for ethical considerations within the entertainment industry.

Discover More Historic Events from July 23rd

Natural Disasters

Deadly Wildfire in East Attica, Greece

July 23rd, 2018 6 years ago

A devastating wildfire swept through East Attica, resulting in the loss of at least 102 lives. The blaze ravaged the coastal town of Mati, engulfing homes and vehicles in flames, prompting mass evacuations. Many victims were trapped while attempting to escape to the sea, leading to a tragic toll. The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry conditions, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to such natural disasters.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

NASA's Discovery of Kepler-452b

July 23rd, 2015 9 years ago

NASA announced the discovery of exoplanet Kepler-452b, located 1,400 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus. Identified by the Kepler space telescope, this rocky planet orbits a star similar to the Sun in its habitable zone, suggesting the potential for liquid water and conditions suitable for life. The announcement highlighted Kepler-452b as the first near-Earth-sized planet found in the habitable zone of a star similar to the Sun, raising excitement in the astronomical community about the possibilities of extraterrestrial life.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

TransAsia Airways Flight 222 Crash Incident

July 23rd, 2014 10 years ago

TransAsia Airways Flight 222 crashed near Huxi, Penghu while approaching Penghu Airport, resulting in the loss of 48 lives out of 58 on board. The accident also caused injuries to five individuals on the ground. The crash occurred during adverse weather conditions, including low visibility and heavy rain, which complicated the approach to the airport.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Massive Solar Storm Nearly Hits Earth

July 23rd, 2012 12 years ago

In July 2012, a significant coronal mass ejection (CME) was emitted by the Sun, creating a powerful solar storm that traveled through space. This storm was notable for its intensity and potential impact on Earth’s electrical systems. Scientists noted that if the CME had struck Earth directly, it could have led to damages estimated at up to $2.6 trillion, affecting power grids and satellite operations worldwide. Fortunately, the storm missed Earth by just nine days, averting a potential crisis for global technology infrastructure.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

High-speed train collision on Yongtaiwen railway

July 23rd, 2011 13 years ago

A high-speed train on the Yongtaiwen line in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, China, rear-ended another train while traveling on a viaduct. The collision resulted in significant casualties, including 40 fatalities and numerous injuries. This incident raised serious concerns about railway safety protocols in China and the operational efficiency of high-speed rail systems.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Bombings in Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh

July 23rd, 2005 19 years ago

Three bombs detonated in the Naama Bay area of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, resulting in 88 fatalities and over 200 injuries. The attacks targeted popular tourist locations and were part of a series of explosions across the region. The incident shocked both local and international communities and raised alarms about security in tourist areas following previous attacks in Egypt. It was a particularly brutal act intended to instill fear among both Egyptian citizens and foreign visitors.

Continue Reading