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6 fatalities

Aircraft Shot Down on Airlift Sortie, All Six Crew Killed (54-0639)

Biên Hòa, VietnamLanding (descent or approach)

On May 18, 1969, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration 54-0639) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Biên Hòa, Vietnam during landing or approach. 6 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 an airlift sortie was hit by enemy fire and crashed while attempting an emergency landing at Biên Hòa Airport, killing all six crew members.

Incident Summary

While conducting an airlift sortie, the aircraft was struck by enemy fire. The crew decided to divert to Biên Hòa Airport for an emergency landing. During the descent, the aircraft lost control and crashed in flames approximately 10 kilometers from the airfield.

Crew

The entire crew of six perished in the crash. They were identified as: 1st Lt Neil William Hayden, 1st Lt Douglas McArthur Evans, M/Sgt Duane Leland Hartenhoff, T/Sgt Kermit Bruce Roberts, S/Sgt Carl Joseph Wanner, and Sgt Milton Jackson Bush.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 May 1969 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident near Biên Hòa, Vietnam?

An aircraft on an airlift sortie was hit by enemy fire and crashed while attempting an emergency landing at Biên Hòa Airport, killing all six crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 May 1969 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 May 1969 involved a Fairchild C-123 Provider, registration 54-0639, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Biên Hòa, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Shot down by enemy fire.

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