3 fatalities

Three Killed, One Rescued After Fuel Transfer Issue Leads to Crash Near Chu Lai Airbase (54-0708)

Chu Lai, VietnamFlight

On December 17, 1968, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration 54-0708) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Chu Lai, Vietnam in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine problems caused by fuel transfer issue. 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 crashed shortly after takeoff from Chu Lai Airbase due to engine problems caused by a fuel transfer system malfunction. Three crew members were killed; a fourth was rescued.

Accident

Minutes after departing from Chu Lai Airbase, the flight crew encountered difficulties with the aircraft's fuel transfer system. The resulting engine problems led to a loss of control, and the aircraft crashed. Three of the four occupants were killed in the accident, while the fourth was rescued from the wreckage.

Crew

The crew members who died in the crash were identified as Lieutenant Colonel Richard A. Brown, First Lieutenant Roger Henry Strout, and Staff Sergeant Jesse John Bradshaw. The fourth occupant was rescued but not named in the report.

Probable Cause

According to official findings, the probable cause of the accident was engine problems that were themselves caused by a fuel transfer system issue.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Dec 1968 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident near Chu Lai, Vietnam?

An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Chu Lai Airbase due to engine problems caused by a fuel transfer system malfunction. Three crew members were killed; a fourth was rescued.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Dec 1968 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Dec 1968 involved a Fairchild C-123 Provider, registration 54-0708, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Chu Lai, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine problems caused by fuel transfer issue.