6 fatalities

Engine Failure During Initial Climb Leads to Crash Near Saigon Airport (53-8155)

Saigon, VietnamTakeoff (climb)

On April 27, 1970, a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar (registration 53-8155) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Saigon, Vietnam during takeoff. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during initial climb. 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

Shortly after takeoff from Saigon-Tan Son Nhat Airport, an engine failure at 100 feet caused the aircraft to stall and crash. Six crew members were killed, two injured.

Accident

Shortly after departing from Saigon-Tan Son Nhat Airport, the aircraft experienced an engine failure while climbing through an altitude of 100 feet. The loss of power resulted in a stall, and the airplane subsequently crashed approximately 3 kilometers from the airfield. The impact destroyed the aircraft.

Crew

Eight crew members were aboard the aircraft. Six of them were killed in the accident, and the other two sustained injuries. The crew included:

  • 1st Lt Thomas Lambert Lubbers
  • 1st Lt Charles Milford Knowles
  • Maj Meredith Glenn Anderson
  • Maj Robert Bokern
  • M/Sgt Joseph Cobden Jeszeck
  • S/Sgt Allen Chandler
  • S/Sgt Robert Frederick Fage
  • Sgt Michael J. Vangelisti

Probable Cause

The official findings attributed the accident to an engine failure during the initial climb phase.