Tragic Accident on the Set: The Harrowing Story of the "Twilight Zone" Helicopter Crash

The scene was meant to be a thrilling moment in the filming of the "Twilight Zone" movie, but it quickly turned into a devastating tragedy. On July 23, 1982, a helicopter accident on the set claimed the lives of three actors, including renowned actor Vic Morrow and two child actors, Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi Chen. The incident shook the film industry and sparked a lengthy investigation, raising questions about the safety protocols and the use of children in dangerous stunts.

A Fateful Night on the Set

The scene in question was filmed at night, a direct violation of child labor laws. It called for Morrow's character to carry his two children out of an abandoned village and flee across a river, with American soldiers in a hovering helicopter chasing them. The helicopter was piloted by Dorcey Wingo, a Vietnam veteran.As the helicopter hovered close to a large explosive effect, Wingo positioned the aircraft close to the ground and then turned it 180 degrees for the following shot. The special effect was detonated while the helicopter's tail rotor was flying directly above it, and a metal lid from the explosion struck the rotor, causing the aircraft to spin out of control.The three actors on the ground were unable to escape the plummeting helicopter or its blades. Chen was crushed to death by the right landing skid, and the helicopter's still-spinning blades decapitated both Morrow and Le.

The Aftermath and Investigation

The New York Times reported that the helicopter sequence was both "poorly planned" and "badly rehearsed." Between 1986 and 1987, an investigation was conducted surrounding the events of the ill-fated scene, and five members of the crew, including Dorcey Wingo, were tried for manslaughter and later acquitted.The tragedy raised questions about the safety protocols on film sets, particularly when it comes to the use of children in dangerous stunts. It also highlighted the need for better coordination and communication among the various departments involved in the production process.

Morrow's Premonition

The strangest part of the entire situation was Vic Morrow's premonition about his own death. Nine years earlier, in 1973, Morrow insisted on having a life insurance policy while filming any scenes in which he had to ride in a helicopter. When asked why he was so hesitant towards this type of scene, it was reported that Morrow replied, "I have always had a premonition I was going to die in a helicopter crash!"Morrow's premonition proved to be tragically accurate, and his death, along with those of the two child actors, left a lasting impact on the film industry and the entertainment world as a whole.

The Lasting Impact

The "Twilight Zone" helicopter crash was a devastating event that shook the film industry and sparked a renewed focus on safety protocols and the use of children in dangerous stunts. The tragedy highlighted the need for better coordination, communication, and oversight on film sets, as well as the importance of taking precautions to protect the well-being of all involved, especially the most vulnerable.The loss of Vic Morrow, Myca Dinh Le, and Renee Shin-Yi Chen was a profound tragedy, and their memory continues to serve as a reminder of the risks and responsibilities inherent in the filmmaking process. The "Twilight Zone" helicopter crash remains a sobering example of the consequences of complacency and the need for constant vigilance in the pursuit of artistic expression.