3 fatalities

Military Aircraft Crashes into South China Sea After Reporting for Landing (55-3298)

Tuy Hòa, VietnamFlight

On December 23, 1970, a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter (registration 55-3298) operated by United States Army was involved in an aviation accident near Tuy Hòa, Vietnam in flight. 3 people were killed. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A military aircraft returning from a Special Forces mission crashed into the South China Sea, breaking apart in flight. The aircraft and three crew members remain missing.

Incident Overview

A military aircraft returning from a Special Forces mission from Tuy Hòa to Biên Hòa crashed into the South China Sea. The aircraft had radioed Tuy Hòa tower that it was 15 miles south for a landing, which was the last communication received from the crew.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft on fire while still airborne. The aircraft subsequently impacted the water in two separate sections approximately eight miles south of Tuy Hòa.

Search and Recovery

As of the time of the report, neither the aircraft nor the remains of the three crew members have been recovered. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or operator are available from the investigation source.