The CH-47 Chinook Helicopter is also known as “Big Windy”because of its large amount of rotor wash and uncanny ability to knock things over. Shit happens if a Chinook gets too close to portages potties. In this case five were blown over with one fast approach.

“Helicopters flying at low altitude can cause a vertical down wash of air known as ‘rotor wash’ in excess of 30mph.” – Dr. Knowitall

Big Windy Chinook Helicopter – Latrine Mishap

In a dusty, remote military outpost in Afghanistan, there was a particular CH-47 Chinook helicopter affectionately nicknamed “Big Windy.” True to its name, Big Windy was known for the powerful downdrafts it created during landings and takeoffs. The soldiers at the outpost had learned to brace themselves whenever Big Windy was around—except for one particularly memorable day.

It was a scorching afternoon, and the soldiers were doing their best to stay cool and keep busy. A row of portable latrines stood at the edge of the camp, a necessary but often dreaded part of life in the field. Private Jenkins, fresh from boot camp, was nervously eyeing the latrines. He had heard stories of the horrors that awaited inside but hadn’t yet had the pleasure of experiencing it himself.

As fate would have it, Jenkins decided it was time to face his fears. He grabbed a roll of toilet paper and made his way to one of the latrines, trying to ignore the snickers from his comrades. Just as Jenkins disappeared inside, the distant whine of Big Windy’s rotors began to grow louder. The Chinook was returning from a supply run, and everyone knew what that meant.

“Hey, Jenkins!” shouted Sergeant Thompson, trying to warn him. “Big Windy’s coming in hot! You might want to wait!”

But it was too late. Jenkins was already inside, and the Chinook was making its final approach. The massive helicopter hovered above the landing zone, kicking up a whirlwind of dust and debris. The downdraft was so intense that soldiers had to shield their eyes and steady themselves.

Big Windy, piloted by Captain Rodriguez, began its descent. Rodriguez had done this a hundred times before, but today, the wind conditions were particularly tricky. As the Chinook lowered, the downdraft intensified, and the portable latrines started to wobble ominously.

Inside one of the latrines, Jenkins was just starting to relax when he felt the whole structure shake. His eyes widened in horror as he realized what was happening. “Oh no, no, no!” he muttered, gripping the walls for dear life.

Outside, the soldiers watched in a mix of anticipation and amusement. “This is gonna be good,” muttered Corporal Stevens, elbowing his buddy.

With a final gust from Big Windy’s rotors, the latrines couldn’t hold their ground any longer. One by one, they toppled over like a row of dominoes. The soldiers erupted in laughter as Jenkins’s latrine fell sideways, the door bursting open to reveal a very startled and very disheveled Private Jenkins, toilet paper draped over his shoulders like a sash.

Big Windy finally touched down, and Captain Rodriguez, realizing what had happened, couldn’t help but chuckle. “Well, that’s one way to make an entrance,” he said over the radio.

Jenkins, now the unwilling star of the show, stumbled out of the fallen latrine, covered in dust and embarrassment. The soldiers, still laughing, helped him to his feet.

“Welcome to the field, Jenkins!” Sergeant Thompson said, clapping him on the back. “Consider this your official initiation.”

Jenkins managed a weak smile, realizing that he’d just provided the outpost with a story they’d be telling for years. From that day on, whenever Big Windy was on approach, the soldiers would shout, “Heads up! Big Windy’s coming in hot!” and everyone would steer clear of the latrines, with Jenkins leading the charge.

And so, Big Windy earned a new reputation—not just for its impressive downdrafts, but for the unforgettable latrine incident that made Private Jenkins a camp legend.

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