Accident Summary
On a night approach to Đà Nẵng Airport, a cargo flight operating a subcontract mission for the US Air Force crashed in the district of Binh Thai, a few dozen yards short of the runway. The aircraft was completing a cargo flight from Tachikawa Air Force Base to Đà Nẵng, carrying various equipment and goods. The crew encountered poor weather conditions with heavy rainfall and fog, resulting in low visibility. During the final approach, the crew failed to realize their altitude was too low. The airplane struck an obstacle, stalled, and crashed in flames.
Damage and Casualties
The aircraft disintegrated on impact, and several houses were destroyed. All four crew members were killed, along with 107 individuals on the ground. Fifty others sustained injuries, including 19 serious cases.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause was the crew's decision to continue the approach below the glide path in below-minima weather conditions, likely in an effort to establish visual contact with the ground. Poor weather conditions and low visibility were cited as contributing factors.