Loss of aircraft during night courier flight in Vietnam

9 fatalities • Vietnam, Vietnam • Flight

A crewed aircraft disappeared while performing a nighttime transport mission between Saigon and Phan Rang, with evidence later indicating it was downed by ground fire.

What happened

During a scheduled nighttime cross-country courier mission traveling from Saigon to Phan Rang, an aircraft went missing. The search efforts concluded when the wreckage of the plane was located on 23 December. Upon inspection of the debris field, investigators determined that the aircraft had been struck by ground fire.

There were no survivors in the accident. The incident resulted in nine fatalities, involving all members of the flight crew present on board during the mission.

Findings

Post-accident analysis of the wreckage provided clear indications regarding the destruction of the aircraft. The primary finding was that the plane was shot down by weapons fire from the ground during its flight phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by ground-based anti-aircraft fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1965-12-17 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Vietnam, Vietnam?

A crewed aircraft disappeared while performing a nighttime transport mission between Saigon and Phan Rang, with evidence later indicating it was downed by ground fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 1965-12-17 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1965-12-17 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 43-49492, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Vietnam, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed by ground-based anti-aircraft fire.

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