No fatalities

Aircraft stall and crash following takeoff from Tan Son Nhat Airport (43-48471)

Saigon, VietnamTakeoff (climb)

On February 18, 1968, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 43-48471) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Saigon, Vietnam during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by an error in pilot technique during takeoff. 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 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a stall and subsequent crash during the initial climb phase after departing Tan Son Nhat Airport, resulting in injuries to all occupants.

What happened

During the takeoff sequence at Tan Son Nhat Airport, an aircraft entered a stall immediately following rotation. The loss of lift caused the plane to descend and impact the ground shortly after leaving the runway. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe.

All three individuals on board sustained injuries during the accident. There were no fatalities reported among the crew or passengers involved in the event.

Findings

Official investigations into the crash concluded that the incident was the result of pilot error during the critical phase of flight following rotation.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an error in pilot technique during takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Feb 1968 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Saigon, Vietnam?

An aircraft experienced a stall and subsequent crash during the initial climb phase after departing Tan Son Nhat Airport, resulting in injuries to all occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Feb 1968 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Feb 1968 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 43-48471, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Saigon, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an error in pilot technique during takeoff.