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USAF Invader Shot Down by Enemy Fire (64-17668)

Ban Thapachôn, LaosFlight

On February 21, 1967, a Douglas A-26 Invader (registration 64-17668) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Ban Thapachôn, Laos in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by enemy fire. 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 USAF Invader was hit by enemy fire while flying alongside another aircraft. The right wing caught fire, and both planes collided and crashed, killing both crew members.

Incident Overview During a side-by-side cruise with a second USAF Invader, the aircraft was struck by enemy fire, causing the right wing to catch fire. The crew of the second aircraft bailed out before the two planes collided and crashed. Both crew members were killed. ## Crew The crew consisted of Captain James L. McCluskey and Captain L. Michael Scruggs. ## Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire. ## Related Aircraft A second USAF Invader, registered 64-17669, was involved in the incident. The crew of this aircraft bailed out before the collision.

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