1954-04-12: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer (28.F.4) — French Navy (Aéronavale - Marine Nationale) — Điện Biên Phủ, Vietnam

9 fatalitiesĐiện Biên Phủ, VietnamFlight

An aircraft was destroyed by enemy anti-aircraft fire while flying over Điện Biên Phủ, resulting in the deaths of all nine crew members.

What happened

During a flight operation over the Điện Biên Phủ region, an aircraft was struck by enemy anti-aircraft weaponry. The incident occurred while the aircraft was overflying the area, leading to its immediate destruction. There were no survivors from the event, as all nine crew members on board perished during the attack.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the destruction of the aircraft was a direct result of being shot down by enemy antiaircraft fire. The impact of the ground-based weaponry caused the loss of the aircraft and the entire flight crew.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by enemy anti-aircraft fire during flight.