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6 fatalities

Midair Collision Between Provider and Skyraider Kills Seven (55-4519)

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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data 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

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jan 1966 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident near An Khe, Vietnam?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Jan 1966 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jan 1966 involved a Fairchild C-123 Provider, registration 55-4519, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at An Khe, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

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