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.
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.