Loss of aircraft during Linebacker II mission over Vietnam

4 fatalities • Khon Kaen, Thailand • Flight

An aircraft flying from Thailand to Vietnam was struck by a surface-to-air missile, resulting in a crash near Khon Kaen and four fatalities.

What happened

During the Linebacker II military operation, an aircraft departed from U-Tapao NAS in Thailand. The flight was manned by a crew of six members. While operating over Hanoi, the plane was targeted and struck by an SA-2 surface-to-air missile.

Following the engagement, the crew managed to navigate away from the combat zone. However, as the aircraft reached airspace over Thailand, it suffered a significant loss of altitude. The flight ended in a crash located approximately 35 km east of Khon Kaen. The accident resulted in four fatalities and two survivors among the crew.

Findings

The investigation concluded that the destruction of the aircraft was the direct result of being hit by enemy surface-to-air missile fire during its mission over Vietnam.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by an SA-2 surface-to-air missile.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-12-20 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident near Khon Kaen, Thailand?

An aircraft flying from Thailand to Vietnam was struck by a surface-to-air missile, resulting in a crash near Khon Kaen and four fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-12-20 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-12-20 involved a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, registration 56-0622, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Khon Kaen, Thailand.

What was the probable cause of the accident?