No fatalities

Emergency Landing After In-Flight Fire Destroys Aircraft; Both Pilots Uninjured (54-0676)

Saigon, VietnamLanding (descent or approach)

On January 9, 1966, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration 54-0676) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Saigon, Vietnam during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight fire in the cargo compartment for undetermined reason. 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 diverted to Saigon-Tan Son Nhat after an in-flight fire in the cargo compartment. The aircraft was destroyed upon landing; both pilots escaped without injury. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Incident

During en route operations, the crew contacted ground control and requested permission to divert to Saigon-Tan Son Nhat for an emergency landing due to an in-flight fire. The fire originated in the cargo compartment.

Emergency Landing

The aircraft diverted to Saigon-Tan Son Nhat and executed an emergency landing. After touching down, the airplane came to rest engulfed in flames.

Aftermath

The aircraft was destroyed by the fire. Both pilots aboard escaped without injury. No other occupants or injuries were reported in the source.

Investigation

Investigators examined the incident to determine the cause of the fire. While there were suspicions that the fire may have been the result of sabotage, this was not proven. The official probable cause was determined to be an in-flight fire in the cargo compartment for undetermined reason.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jan 1966 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident near Saigon, Vietnam?

An aircraft diverted to Saigon-Tan Son Nhat after an in-flight fire in the cargo compartment. The aircraft was destroyed upon landing; both pilots escaped without injury. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jan 1966 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jan 1966 involved a Fairchild C-123 Provider, registration 54-0676, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Saigon, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

In-flight fire in the cargo compartment for undetermined reason