12 fatalities

Crew Killed in Takeoff Crash at Saigon Airport (8.F.7)

Saigon, VietnamTakeoff (climb)

On September 23, 1952, a Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer (registration 8.F.7) operated by French Navy (Aéronavale - Marine Nationale) was involved in an aviation accident near Saigon, Vietnam during takeoff. 12 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from Saigon-Tân Son Nhât Airport, an airplane lost control during initial climb and crashed in an explosion. One pilot was seriously injured; 12 other crew members were killed.

Accident Overview

Shortly after takeoff from Saigon-Tân Son Nhât Airport, while in initial climb, the airplane went out of control and crashed in a huge explosion. One pilot was seriously injured, while 12 other crew members were killed.

Crew

The crew included multiple pilots, mechanics, radio operators, navigators, a gunner, and the chief of the Tân Son Nhât Airbase. The deceased crew members were identified as: Cpt Audibert (chief of staff for the 8.F. fleet and pilot), M. Thedenat (pilot), M. Dupont (mechanic), M. Rousse (radio operator), M. Coche (mechanic), M. Froget (radio operator), M. Deberghes (navigator), M. Blin (navigator), M. Depré (gunner), Cpt Venot (chief of the Tân Son Nhât Airbase), M. Enault (mechanic), and M. Souret (mechanic). The injured pilot was not named in initial reports.