Aircraft loss near Pleiku Airport due to ground fire

5 fatalities • Pleiku, Vietnam • Landing (descent or approach)

A transport aircraft carrying heavy cargo was struck by enemy fire during its approach to Pleiku Airport, resulting in the deaths of all five crew members.

What happened

While performing a flight from Saigon-Tan Son Nhat Airport, an aircraft carrying 30,000 pounds of detonators was destroyed during its arrival at Pleiku Airport. As the plane was on final approach and maintaining an altitude of approximately 1,200 feet, it was struck by enemy fire. The impact caused the aircraft to crash roughly 5 km away from the airfield.

There were five fatalities among the crew members during the incident. No survivors were reported from the flight crew.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary reason for the loss of the aircraft was that it was shot down by enemy fire while in its descent phase toward the airport.

Probable cause

The aircraft was struck and downed by enemy ground fire during its final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1966-01-06 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Pleiku, Vietnam?

A transport aircraft carrying heavy cargo was struck by enemy fire during its approach to Pleiku Airport, resulting in the deaths of all five crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1966-01-06 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1966-01-06 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 61-0972, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Pleiku, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was struck and downed by enemy ground fire during its final approach.

Loading the flight search…