Eugene Hasenfus
 Eugene Hasenfus    (spook, pilot) | |
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| Born | January 22, 1941 |
Corporate Air Services HPF821
- Full article: Corporate Air Services HPF821
- Full article: Corporate Air Services HPF821
Hasenfus was aboard the Fairchild C-123 cargo plane, N4410F,[1] formerly USAF 54-679, (c/n 20128), shot down over Nicaragua on October 5, 1986, while delivering supplies to the Nicaraguan Contras. During the Iran-Contra hearings in 1987, it was established that the aircraft was shot down while participating in a covert operation devised and approved by elements of the United States government. The two pilots and a radio operator died in the crash, but Hasenfus was able to parachute to safety. He was captured by Nicaraguan Sandinista forces, was tried, and was ultimately sentenced to the maximum term of 30 years in prison. In December 1986, at the request of U.S. Senator Chris Dodd, he was pardoned and released by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega.
Hasenfus' capture and detention helped uncover and publicize the Iran-Contra Affair. A black book of phone numbers in the wreckage tied the plane to an operation based in Ilopango airbase in El Salvador, supported by Operation 40 member, Félix Rodríguez. Press speculation focused on retired Major General Jack Singlaub as the sponsor; this was encouraged by Oliver North to divert attention from the true head: Richard Secord.[citation needed]
Hasenfus later unsuccessfully sued Secord, Albert Hakim, Southern Air Transport and Corporate Air Services over issues relating to Hasenfus' capture and trial.[2] His lawyer in that case was current Miami District 2 Commissioner Marc D. Sarnoff.
References
- ↑ Omang, Joanne, and Wilson, George C., "Questions About Plane's Origins Grow", Washington Post, Washington, D.C., Thursday, October 9, 1986, pages A-1, A-32
- ↑ Hasenfus v. Secord, 962 F.2d 1556 (1992).
