Incident Overview
During a commando operation conducted along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, an aircraft came under enemy attack. The impact from hostile fire ignited a blaze at the left wing root. Despite efforts by the flight crew to suppress the flames, they were unable to extinguish the fire, leading to a loss of control.
Crew Actions and Outcome
As the situation deteriorated, one crew member, S/Sgt Eugene Fields, managed to eject from the aircraft. He was subsequently recovered without sustaining injuries. The remaining aircraft descended rapidly and impacted the ground, resulting in a fatal crash for all other personnel on board.
Personnel Involved
The incident resulted in the deaths of ten individuals. The deceased crew members included Maj William Leslie Brooks, 1st Lt John Cline Towle, Lt Col Charlie Brown Davis, Lt Col Charles Stoddard Rowley, Maj Donald Garth Fisher, M/Sgt Robert Newell Ireland, S/Sgt Thomas Yuji Adachi, S/Sgt Stephen Warren Harris, S/Sgt Ronnie Lee Hensley, and A1C Donald Michael Lint. S/Sgt Eugene Fields survived the event.