3 fatalities

Midair Collision Over Cần Thơ Airfield Kills 18 (53-3724)

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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data 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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Nov 1970 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Cần Thơ, Vietnam?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Nov 1970 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Nov 1970 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration 53-3724, operated by United States Army, at Cần Thơ, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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