No fatalities

1970-01-03: Fairchild C-123 Provider (54-0688) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Phan Rang, Vietnam

Phan Rang, VietnamLanding (descent or approach)

On January 3, 1970, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration 54-0688) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Phan Rang, Vietnam during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The nose gear failed upon touchdown for reasons that have not been determined. 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 1781236763Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a nose gear failure upon touchdown at Phan Rang Airport, resulting in an overrun and significant damage to the airframe.

What happened

During the landing phase at Phan Rang Airport, the nose gear of the aircraft failed immediately upon contact with the runway. Following the collapse of the landing gear, the plane slid for several dozen yards along the surface before eventually overrunning the runway area and coming to a stop.

Despite the impact and the subsequent slide, there were no injuries reported among the five crew members on board. However, the structural damage sustained during the incident was severe enough that the aircraft was declared a total loss, being damaged beyond repair.

Findings

Official investigations into the incident concluded that the primary factor was the failure of the nose gear at the moment of touchdown. The specific underlying reason for why the gear failed to support the weight of the aircraft during landing remains undetermined.

Probable cause

The nose gear failed upon touchdown for reasons that have not been determined.