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8 fatalities

Eight Killed as Aircraft Shot Down on Flare Drop Mission Near Saigon (56-4385)

Saigon, VietnamFlight

On October 24, 1963, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration 56-4385) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Saigon, Vietnam in flight. 8 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on a flare drop mission was shot down by enemy fire approximately 104 km south of Saigon, killing all eight occupants, including four crew members and four Vietnamese observers.

Incident Details

The aircraft was conducting a flare drop mission when it was shot down by enemy fire while cruising at low altitude. The crash occurred approximately 104 kilometers south of Saigon. All eight individuals on board were killed.

Crew and Passengers

The crew consisted of four members: Captain Woodrow Melvin Fitzgerald, Captain Gordon Richard Brown, Staff Sergeant Charles Bernard Lankford, and Staff Sergeant Walter Kenneth Morris. Additionally, there were four Vietnamese observers aboard.

Probable Cause

The official findings state the probable cause as being shot down by enemy fire.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Oct 1963 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident near Saigon, Vietnam?

An aircraft on a flare drop mission was shot down by enemy fire approximately 104 km south of Saigon, killing all eight occupants, including four crew members and four Vietnamese observers.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Oct 1963 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Oct 1963 involved a Fairchild C-123 Provider, registration 56-4385, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Saigon, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Shot down by enemy fire.

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