Accident Overview
Shortly after departing from Saigon-Tan Son Nhat Airport, while climbing, the crew reported to ground that the left engine had failed. They decided to return to the airport for a landing.
Initial Approach and Go-Around
On the final approach, the captain was unable to lower the landing gear. He consequently decided to abort the landing and initiated a go-around. The aircraft completed a circuit around the airport.
Second Approach and Crash
During the second approach, the airplane went out of control and crashed in a rice paddy field a few kilometers from the runway threshold.
Fatalities and Crew
All 25 passengers and 6 crew members lost their lives in the accident. The crew members were Captain Karl David Sobolik, Lieutenant Colonel William Affley Lynch, Captain Carroll Gene Hogeman, Captain John Richard Humphrey, Captain Joe H. Trickey, and Staff Sergeant Alan Ralph Steffen.
Condition at Impact
Examination revealed that the left propeller was feathered at the time of impact.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be failure of the left engine after takeoff.