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Survey Aircraft Shot Down Over Ho Chi Minh Trail, All Eight Occupants Killed (43-48636)

Salavan, LaosFlight

On February 4, 1973, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 43-48636) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Salavan, Laos in flight. 8 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A survey aircraft on a mission to locate tanks over the Ho Chi Minh Trail was shot down by enemy fire, crashing 56 km southeast of Salavan. Wreckage was found two days later; all eight crew members were killed.

Incident Overview

A survey flight departed Ubon Ratchathani Air Force Base to locate tanks along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. While flying at low altitude during nighttime, the aircraft was struck by enemy fire and subsequently crashed in a remote area approximately 56 kilometers southeast of Salavan. Search teams discovered the wreckage two days after the crash.

Crew Members

The eight occupants aboard the aircraft were all killed in the incident. They were identified as:

  • Cpt George Ross Spitz
  • 1st Lt Robert Edward Bernhardt
  • Cpt Arthur Ray Bollinger
  • 2nd Lt Severo James Primm
  • S/Sgt Todd Michael Melton
  • Sgt Dale Brandenburg
  • Sgt Peter Richard Cressman
  • Sgt Joseph Andrew Matejov

Official Findings

The probable cause of the accident was determined to be the aircraft being shot down by enemy fire.

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