Accident Overview
A B-52 bomber, operating from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, was on a bombing mission over the A Shau Valley when it encountered a critical systems failure. While overflying the Vinh region, the aircraft's electrical system failed, subsequently causing failures in some hydraulic systems.
Diversion and Landing Attempt
The captain decided to divert to Đà Nẵng Airport for an emergency landing. Due to the hydraulic failure, the crew was unable to deploy the flaps. The captain initially attempted a go-around but later completed a flapless landing on runway 17L.
The Crash
The B-52 touched down approximately 1,000 feet past the runway threshold. After rolling for 6,000 feet, the aircraft overran the runway at a speed of 100 knots. It struck a drainage ditch, came to rest in a landmine, and exploded. The gunner was rescued, but the other five crew members were killed. The crew consisted of Major Gene Wesley Brown, Captain James Thomas Davis, Captain Anthony Kent Johnson, Captain William Henry Pritchard, Captain Donald J. Reynolds, and Albert Whatley.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be failure of the electrical system and hydraulic system.