What happened
During an approach to Vi Thanh Airfield, a twin-engine aircraft was targeted by enemy ground fire. The aircraft sustained damage from the gunfire, which forced it to perform a crash landing in an open field situated approximately 18 km north of the city.
While all three individuals on board survived the initial impact and managed to exit the wreckage, the aftermath involved significant violence. Both pilots were executed by North Vietnamese soldiers at the scene. The sole passenger was taken into custody and interned following the incident.
Findings
Investigations into the event concluded that the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire during its descent phase.