Incident Overview
A Spooky gunship, while conducting a night flare mission, crashed into the sea and exploded off the coast near Cam Ranh Bay. The aircraft had been flying a normal orbit prior to the accident. All seven crew members aboard were killed in the crash. The cause of the accident was ascertained, though specific details were not provided in the official report.
Crew Members
The crew members who lost their lives in the crash were:
- Maj Burnett Neal
- Maj Bruce Reginald Williams
- 1st Lt Clifford C. Barnett
- S/Sgt Frederick Edward Barnette
- S/Sgt Robert Wendell Davis
- S/Sgt Thomas Alfred Preaux
- A1C Michael Jeff Stephens
Aircraft and Mission
The aircraft was a Spooky gunship, a heavily armed variant used for close air support and ground attack. At the time of the accident, it was engaged in a night flare mission, which typically involves deploying illumination flares to support ground operations. The aircraft was operating off the coast near Cam Ranh Bay, a known area of operations during the conflict.
Investigation
An investigation into the crash was conducted, and the cause was determined. However, the source does not specify the exact nature of the cause. The findings remain limited to the official determination that the cause was ascertained.
Aftermath
The loss of the aircraft and its crew was a significant event. No further details regarding the recovery of wreckage or survivors were provided in the source.