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Troop Transport Aircraft Stalls and Crashes After Takeoff from Đà Nẵng (17211)

Đà Nẵng, VietnamTakeoff (climb)

On July 25, 1966, a Douglas C-117 Skytrain (registration 17211) operated by United States Marine Corps (USMC) was involved in an aviation accident near Đà Nẵng, Vietnam during takeoff. 7 people were killed. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane performing a troop transport mission stalled and crashed shortly after takeoff from Đà Nẵng Airport. Seven crew members were killed and all 24 other occupants sustained injuries, some serious.

Incident

Shortly after takeoff from Đà Nẵng Airport, while in initial climb, the airplane stalled and crashed past the end of the runway. The aircraft was on a troop transport flight from Đà Nẵng to Saigon.

Casualties and Injuries

Seven crew members were killed in the accident. All 24 other occupants aboard were injured, some of them seriously.

Suspected Cause

Engine failure is suspected as a possible cause of the accident.

Deceased Crew

The following crew members were killed:

  • Lt Col David Cleeland
  • Maj Clifton Bishop Andrews
  • Maj Gerard Martin Kieswetter
  • Cpt Jerome Cordell Winters
  • Sgt Robert Clayton Morre
  • G/Sgt Willis Shepherd Bowman
  • Cpl Mickey Ray Grable
Engine failureLoss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jul 1966 Douglas C-117 Skytrain accident near Đà Nẵng, Vietnam?

An airplane performing a troop transport mission stalled and crashed shortly after takeoff from Đà Nẵng Airport. Seven crew members were killed and all 24 other occupants sustained injuries, some serious.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jul 1966 Douglas C-117 Skytrain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jul 1966 involved a Douglas C-117 Skytrain, registration 17211, operated by United States Marine Corps (USMC), at Đà Nẵng, Vietnam.

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