2 fatalities

Aircraft Hit by Enemy Fire Crashes Near Huế; Two Crew Killed (43-48402)

Huế, VietnamFlight

On April 22, 1970, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 43-48402) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Huế, Vietnam in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by enemy fire. 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 aircraft on a mission in the A Shau Valley was struck by enemy fire at 5,500 feet. After an engine began losing oil, the crew attempted to return to Huế Airport but crashed 32 km southwest of Huế. The captain and flight engineer were killed; seven others were injured.

Incident

While conducting a mission in the A Shau Valley at an altitude of 5,500 feet, the aircraft was hit by enemy fire. The crew observed that an engine was losing oil and decided to return to Huế Airport. During the return flight, the aircraft was unable to maintain the minimum prescribed altitude. The captain elected to make an emergency landing, but the aircraft crashed 32 kilometers southwest of Huế.

Casualties

The captain and the flight engineer were killed in the accident. The deceased were identified as 1st Lt George M. Wall and S/Sgt Michael R. Conner. Seven other occupants sustained injuries.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be "shot down by enemy fire."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Apr 1970 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Huế, Vietnam?

An aircraft on a mission in the A Shau Valley was struck by enemy fire at 5,500 feet. After an engine began losing oil, the crew attempted to return to Huế Airport but crashed 32 km southwest of Huế. The captain and flight engineer were killed; seven others were injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Apr 1970 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Apr 1970 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 43-48402, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Huế, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Shot down by enemy fire.