Loss of US Air Force aircraft during Operation Linebacker II

2 fatalities • Hanoi, Vietnam • Flight

A US Air Force crew was lost when their aircraft was intercepted and shot down by a North Vietnamese MiG-21 over Hanoi.

What happened

During the execution of the Linebacker II mission over North Vietnam, an aircraft operating out of U-Tapao NAS was intercepted while traversing the airspace above the Hanoi region. The aircraft, carrying a total of six crew members, was targeted by a North Vietnamese MiG-21 fighter. Following the engagement, the plane crashed within the Giáp Nhị district of Hanoi.

Of the six personnel on board, the incident resulted in two fatalities and four survivors. The surviving crew members were subsequently recovered and held as prisoners of war.

Findings

Investigations into the loss of the aircraft concluded that the primary reason for the crash was that the plane was shot down by enemy fire during an aerial engagement.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by enemy fire from a North Vietnamese MiG-21 fighter.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-12-26 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident near Hanoi, Vietnam?

A US Air Force crew was lost when their aircraft was intercepted and shot down by a North Vietnamese MiG-21 over Hanoi.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-12-26 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-12-26 involved a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, registration 56-0674, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Hanoi, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed by enemy fire from a North Vietnamese MiG-21 fighter.

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