Who Killed Lt. Van Dorn?
The MH-53E Sea Dragon, a heavy-lift helicopter used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, has been involved in numerous fatal crashes since its introduction in the 1980s. Despite its critical role in mine countermeasures, the aircraft has been plagued by maintenance issues and a poor safety record, leading to the deaths of over 100 service members. This documentary explores the human cost of these tragedies, focusing on the story of Lieutenant Wesley Van Dorn, who lost his life in a 2014 crash, and the efforts of his widow, Nicole, to uncover the truth about the aircraft's safety and the systemic failures that allowed it to continue flying.