No fatalities

Runway excursion at Vũng Tàu Airfield (60-5434)

Vũng Tàu, VietnamLanding (descent or approach)

On January 17, 1969, a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou (registration 60-5434) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Vũng Tàu, Vietnam during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered off the runway after losing control during the landing phase. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a loss of control following touchdown at Vũng Tàu Airfield, resulting in a runway excursion and significant damage to the plane.

What happened

During an arrival at Vũng Tàu Airfield, the aircraft lost directional control immediately after making contact with the runway. Following the initial touchdown, the plane veered away from the designated landing surface and exited the runway area.

While the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss, there were no casualties reported. All five crew members on board managed to evacuate the wreckage without sustaining any injuries.

Findings

The investigation into the incident focused on the period following touchdown, during which the plane became uncontrollable and departed from the runway.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway after losing control during the landing phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jan 1969 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident near Vũng Tàu, Vietnam?

An aircraft experienced a loss of control following touchdown at Vũng Tàu Airfield, resulting in a runway excursion and significant damage to the plane.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Jan 1969 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jan 1969 involved a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou, registration 60-5434, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Vũng Tàu, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway after losing control during the landing phase.