5 fatalities

1966-05-17: Fairchild C-123 Provider (55-4534) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — An Khe, Vietnam

An Khe, VietnamFlight

On May 17, 1966, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration 55-4534) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near An Khe, Vietnam in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by enemy fire. 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 1781241051Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft departing Nha Trang Airport for a night flare mission was shot down by enemy fire at 6,500 feet, killing all five occupants. The crew lost control while attempting to divert.

Mission Details

The aircraft departed Nha Trang Airport to conduct a night-time mission to drop flares over friendly positions. It was flying at an altitude of 6,500 feet when it was engaged by enemy fire.

Incident

Enemy fire struck the airplane, prompting the crew to attempt a diversion toward the nearest suitable terrain. However, control was lost before the diversion could be completed. The aircraft subsequently crashed in flames. The impact and fire resulted in the deaths of all five occupants.

Crew

The crew consisted of Captain Stanley Gilbert Cox, 1st Lieutenant Albert Richard Wilson, Master Sergeant Raymond Charles Jajtner, Airman First Class William John Moore, and Airman First Class Jerry Mack Wall.

Probable cause

Shot down by enemy fire