4 fatalities

1966-02-03: Fairchild C-123 Provider (55-4537) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Khe Sanh, Vietnam

Khe Sanh, VietnamFlight

On February 3, 1966, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration 55-4537) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Khe Sanh, Vietnam in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed the aircraft was 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 1781241332Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on a supply mission crashed in a jungle approximately 16 km from Khe Sanh, near the Laos border. Despite extensive search efforts, no trace of the aircraft or its four crew members was found. The aircraft is believed to have been shot down by enemy fire.

Overview

An aircraft on a supply mission crashed in a jungle located approximately 16 kilometers from Khe Sanh, near the border with Laos. The exact circumstances of the crash have not been determined. The mission was intended to deliver supplies, but the aircraft never reached its destination.

Search and Rescue

A comprehensive search and rescue operation was launched following the loss of contact. Search teams scoured the area for several days, but despite their efforts, no evidence of the aircraft or the four crew members was ever discovered. The lack of any wreckage or personal effects left the fate of the crew unknown.

Crew

The four crew members aboard the aircraft were identified as Maj James Louis Carter, Cpt Wilbur Ronald Brown, A1C Edward Milton Parsley, and A1C Therman Morris Waller. No further details about their roles or backgrounds were provided.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause, as stated in the investigation, is that it is believed the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire. This conclusion was reached despite the absence of physical evidence.