What happened
During a reconnaissance mission focused on the Pathet Lao stronghold of Sam Neua, an RC-47D flew in close proximity to the border separating Laos and North Vietnam. While North Vietnamese MiGs had been observed operating near this frontier previously, they were not considered an immediate danger to aircraft performing duties in the Sam Neua region at that time.
During the flight, a MiG-17 performed a high-speed intercept toward the border area. The fighter aircraft engaged and shot down the RC-47D before retreating into North Vietnamese airspace. The impact of the attack resulted in the deaths of all eight crew members on board.
Findings
The destruction of the aircraft was caused by an aerial attack from a North Vietnamese MiG-17 fighter jet.