Accident Overview
On a supply mission to deliver artillery pieces to the French Army forces at Điện Biên Phủ, the aircraft, crewed by James B. McGovern Jr. and Wallace A. Buford, was struck by enemy fire. The impact caused the loss of one engine. The crew decided to return to Hải Phòng-Catbi Airport.
Sequence of Events
After being hit, the aircraft began to lose altitude. Despite the crew's attempt to reach the intended airport, the aircraft continued to descend until it struck a ridge and subsequently crashed. Both crew members were killed in the crash.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be "Shot down by enemy fire."