Loss of reconnaissance aircraft over Ban Hai region

8 fatalities • Ban Hai, Laos • Flight

An aircraft conducting a reconnaissance mission from Thailand was downed by enemy fire while flying at low altitude over Laos.

What happened

On an unspecified date, an aircraft operating under the call sign 'Spooky 10' departed from Ubon Ratchathani Airbase in Thailand. The flight was tasked with a reconnaissance mission over territory in Laos. During the mission, while the aircraft was maintaining a low-altitude cruise, it was struck by enemy fire and subsequently crashed in a remote area within the Ban Hai region.

Because of the hostile conditions present at the time of the incident, immediate search and rescue operations could not be deployed to the crash site. The wreckage remained undiscovered for several years until August 1994, when it was located approximately 16 km southeast of Ban Hai.

Findings

  • The aircraft was shot down by enemy fire during its low-altitude flight phase.
  • There were 8 fatalities among the crew members on board.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by enemy ground fire during a low-altitude mission.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1966-05-15 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Ban Hai, Laos?

An aircraft conducting a reconnaissance mission from Thailand was downed by enemy fire while flying at low altitude over Laos.

Were there any fatalities in the 1966-05-15 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1966-05-15 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 43-49546, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Ban Hai, Laos.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by enemy ground fire during a low-altitude mission.

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