85 fatalities

1965-12-11: Fairchild C-123 Provider (56-4376) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Tuy Hòa, Vietnam

Tuy Hòa, VietnamLanding (descent or approach)

On December 11, 1965, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration 56-4376) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Tuy Hòa, Vietnam during landing or approach. 85 people were killed. 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 1781241529Data APIEditorial standards

A military transport aircraft descended into poor weather near Tuy Hòa Airport, struck tree tops, stalled, and crashed in a wooded area. All 85 occupants were killed; rescuers reached the site two weeks later.

Accident

While descending to Tuy Hòa Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with rainfall. Flying at low height, the airplane struck tree tops, then stalled and crashed in a dense wooded area located about 30 km east of Tuy Hòa Airfield. At the time of the accident, the ceiling was down to 50 feet from the ground. The crew was apparently not aware of its too low altitude.

Aftermath

The aircraft crashed in an enemy zone, making immediate intervention impossible. The first rescuers reached the crash site two weeks later. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all 85 occupants were killed.

Crew

The crew consisted of:

  • Major Robert Milvoy Horsky
  • Captain George Parker McKnight
  • Staff Sergeant Mercedes Perez Salinas
  • Staff Sergeant Donald David Stewart

Other occupants were onboard but not named in the report.