1967-09-04: Fairchild C-123 Provider (54-0621) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Bảo Lộc, Vietnam

11 fatalitiesBảo Lộc, VietnamLanding (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a wooded mountain during its approach to Bảo Lộc, resulting in the deaths of all 11 people on board.

What happened

During a scheduled flight traveling from Biên Hòa toward Nha Trang, an aircraft was performing an intermediate stop at Bảo Lộc. While the crew was executing the approach phase of the flight, the plane collided with the slope of a forested mountain. The impact occurred approximately 19 km southwest of the Bảo Lộc Airport.

The crash resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and 11 fatalities, with no survivors among the occupants. The flight crew consisted of three members, including the pilot-in-command and two other crew members.

Findings

Investigations into the accident concluded that the primary factor was pilot error. Specifically, the pilot-in-command initiated the approach procedure too early, which led to the aircraft descending to an altitude that was below the minimum safe level for that terrain.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a premature approach that resulted in the aircraft descending below the minimum safe altitude.