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2 fatalities

Supply aircraft crash during cargo drop near Cai Cai Camp (62-4165)

Cai Cai, VietnamFlight

On May 10, 1966, a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou (registration 62-4165) operated by United States Army was involved in an aviation accident near Cai Cai, Vietnam in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A rice bag became lodged outside the aircraft during a supply drop, causing a loss of flight control. 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

A supply mission involving a cargo drop resulted in an aircraft crash, leading to two fatalities and two injuries.

What happened

During a logistics operation intended to deliver supplies to the Cai Cai Camp area, an aircraft was performing a cargo drop of rice. During the process of releasing the load, one bag of rice failed to detach properly and remained lodged against the exterior of the plane. This obstruction interfered with the flight controls, causing the crew to lose command of the aircraft. The plane subsequently impacted an open field.

Findings

  • The accident resulted in two fatalities and two injuries among the crew members on board.
  • The primary factor leading to the loss of control was a stuck cargo bag that remained outside the airframe during the supply drop.

Probable cause

A rice bag became lodged outside the aircraft during a supply drop, causing a loss of flight control.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 May 1966 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident near Cai Cai, Vietnam?

A supply mission involving a cargo drop resulted in an aircraft crash, leading to two fatalities and two injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 May 1966 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 May 1966 involved a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou, registration 62-4165, operated by United States Army, at Cai Cai, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A rice bag became lodged outside the aircraft during a supply drop, causing a loss of flight control.

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