Incident
The helicopter embarked on a night mission from Biên Hòa with the objective of providing support to friendly troops. After arriving at the designated site, it encountered hostile action and was hit by enemy fire in the starboard wing. The damage caused the aircraft to lose control, and it subsequently crashed in flames. All eight individuals on board were killed in the accident.
Crew
The crew manifest included: Captain Robert Paul Acher, Captain James Sutherland Pitches, First Lieutenant Ray Colon Williams, Master Sergeant Harry Herre Wecker, Technical Sergeant Willie Warnie Alley, Technical Sergeant Lester Melvin Cavallin, Technical Sergeant Albert Carl McBride, and Staff Sergeant Fred Winston Smith.
Probable Cause
The official findings determine the probable cause as the helicopter being shot down by enemy fire.