Loss of aircraft during Operation Linebacker II over Hanoi

5 fatalities • Kinh No, Vietnam • Flight

An aircraft participating in a mission over Vietnam was destroyed by surface-to-air missile fire, resulting in five fatalities among the six crew members.

What happened

During the Linebacker II mission over Vietnam, an aircraft operating under the call sign Tan 03 was engaged by enemy forces. The flight had originated from Andersen AFB on Guam Island with a total of six crew members on board. While traversing the airspace over Hanoi, the plane was struck by an SA-2 surface-to-air missile. Following the impact, the aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Kinh No.

Of the six personnel on board, there were five fatalities and one survivor. The crew included the pilot, copilot, navigator, radio navigator, electronic warfare officer, and an air gunner.

Findings

The investigation concluded that the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire during its flight operations.

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 Kinh No, Vietnam?

An aircraft participating in a mission over Vietnam was destroyed by surface-to-air missile fire, resulting in five fatalities among the six crew members.

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

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-12-20 involved a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, registration 58-0169, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Kinh No, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?