3 fatalities

1970-11-24: De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (53-3724) — United States Army — Cần Thơ, Vietnam

Cần Thơ, VietnamTakeoff (climb)

On November 24, 1970, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration 53-3724) operated by United States Army was involved in an aviation accident near Cần Thơ, Vietnam during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the collision remains unclear. It occurred in good weather conditions. 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 1781235751Data APIEditorial standards

A training aircraft and a South Vietnam Air Force Bell UH-1H collided shortly after takeoff from Cần Thơ Airfield, resulting in the deaths of all 18 occupants.

Incident Overview

A midair collision occurred shortly after takeoff from Cần Thơ Airfield between a local training flight and a South Vietnam Air Force Bell UH-1H helicopter. The training aircraft was climbing to a height of 1,000 feet when it struck the helicopter, which was completing an evacuation mission with two crew members and 13 passengers on board, including several children.

Aftermath

Following the collision, both aircraft crashed in a field. All 18 occupants—the crew and passengers of both aircraft—were killed.

Investigation

The official investigation determined that the exact cause of the collision remains unclear. The accident took place in good weather conditions.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the collision remains unclear. It occurred in good weather conditions.