Loss of US Air Force aircraft over Hanoi during Operation Linebacker II

2 fatalities • Yên Viên, Vietnam • Flight

A US Air Force crew flying a mission from Guam was lost to surface-to-air missile fire while operating over North Vietnam.

What happened

During the execution of the Linebacker II mission, an aircraft designated as Quilt 3 departed from Andersen AFB on Guam. The flight was part of a larger-scale operation targeting areas in Vietnam. While navigating the airspace over Hanoi, the aircraft was struck by an enemy SA-2 surface-to-air missile.

The impact resulted in the plane crashing within the Yên Viên region. Of the six crew members on board, there were two fatalities and four individuals who were subsequently captured 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.

Probable cause

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

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-12-20 Boeing B-52 Stratofortress accident near Yên Viên, Vietnam?

A US Air Force crew flying a mission from Guam was lost to surface-to-air missile fire while operating over North Vietnam.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-12-20 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 1972-12-20 involved a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, registration 57-6496, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Yên Viên, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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

Loading the flight search…