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6 fatalities

1966-01-13: Fairchild C-123 Provider (55-4519) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — An Khe, Vietnam

An Khe, VietnamFlight

On January 13, 1966, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration 55-4519) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near An Khe, Vietnam in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the collision could not be determined with certainty. However, it was reported that the Provider was not equipped with suitable instruments for a night mission (insufficient avionics). 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 1781241417Data APIEditorial standards

On a night supply mission at 1,200 feet, a Provider aircraft collided with a USAF Douglas A-1E Skyraider (52-133989) near An Khe, killing all seven crew members.

Incident Details

During a night supply mission, a Provider aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 1,200 feet when it collided with a USAF Douglas A-1E Skyraider (registration 52-133989). The Skyraider, piloted by a single aviator, was pulling up into the path of the Provider following a VC position attack. Both aircraft went out of control and crashed near An Khe. All seven crew members aboard both aircraft were killed.

Crew

The crew of the Provider and the Skyraider were identified as:

  • Captain Warren Lester Anderson
  • Captain Herman Hiram Ritchie
  • Technical Sergeant Thomas Anthony Fodaro
  • Technical Sergeant Irwin Lewis Hoffman
  • Staff Sergeant Byron Hugh Crotwell
  • Staff Sergeant Edward Joseph Hincewicz

The Skyraider pilot was among those listed, but the source does not specify which name corresponds to that pilot.

Investigation

Official findings stated that the exact cause of the collision could not be determined with certainty. However, it was reported that the Provider was not equipped with suitable instruments for a night mission (insufficient avionics). A poor ground radar coverage was also considered as a contributing factor.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the collision could not be determined with certainty. However, it was reported that the Provider was not equipped with suitable instruments for a night mission (insufficient avionics). A poor ground radar coverage was also considered as a contributing factor.
Midair collision

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