Loss of aircraft during Operation Linebacker II over Hanoi

4 fatalities • Kinh No, Vietnam • Flight

An aircraft participating in a mission over Vietnam was downed by surface-to-air missile fire, resulting in four fatalities and three crew members being taken prisoner.

What happened

During the execution of the Linebacker II mission over Vietnam, an aircraft departing from Andersen Air Force Base on Guam Island was intercepted while flying near Hanoi. During the flight, the plane was struck by an enemy SA-2 surface-to-air missile. The impact caused the aircraft to crash in the Kinh No area.

On board the aircraft were seven crew members at the time of the incident. The crash resulted in four fatalities and left three other crew members to be captured and held as prisoners of war.

Findings

Investigations into the loss of the aircraft determined that the primary reason for the crash was that the plane was hit by enemy surface-to-air missile fire while operating in hostile airspace.

Probable cause

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

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-12-20 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident near Kinh No, Vietnam?

An aircraft participating in a mission over Vietnam was downed by surface-to-air missile fire, resulting in four fatalities and three crew members being taken prisoner.

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 58-0198, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Kinh No, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?