1964-05-05: De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou (61-2593) — United States Army — Tân Hiệp, Vietnam

15 fatalitiesTân Hiệp, VietnamTakeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff, leading to a stall and crash that resulted in 15 fatalities.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following departure, the aircraft's left engine ceased functioning. In response to the mechanical failure, the crew performed the procedure to feather the propeller and initiated an emergency return to the airfield.

While the aircraft was executing a left-hand turn to reposition for landing, it entered a stall condition. The plane subsequently impacted a rice paddy field. There were 15 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.

Findings

Investigation into the accident determined that the primary factor was the failure of the left engine during the climb following takeoff.

Probable cause

The loss of power in the left engine during the climb phase led to an aerodynamic stall during an emergency turn.