5 fatalities

1969-10-06: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (58-0718) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Chu Lai, Vietnam

Chu Lai, VietnamFlight

On October 6, 1969, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 58-0718) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Chu Lai, Vietnam in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown but there was strong possibility of the aircraft having been a victim of sabotage. 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 1781237078Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane exploded in mid-air and crashed in a field near Chu Lai, killing all five crew members. The cause of the explosion remains unknown, with sabotage suspected.

Incident Overview

While flying in the vicinity of Chu Lai, an airplane suffered a mid-air explosion and subsequently crashed in a field. All five crew members on board were killed in the accident. The deceased were identified as Major Robert Hayes, Captain Bruce Cardy, First Lieutenant Wendell Curry, Staff Sergeant Isaac Corbett, and Staff Sergeant Norman Sweat.

Investigation Findings

Official investigators determined that the exact cause of the explosion remains unknown. However, they noted a strong possibility that the aircraft was a victim of sabotage. No further details regarding the potential sabotage or the aircraft's type, registration, or operator were provided in the investigation source.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown but there was strong possibility of the aircraft having been a victim of sabotage.