FlightFinder
Check my flight
5 fatalities

Cargo Aircraft Shot Down on Approach to Pleiku Airport (61-0972)

Pleiku, VietnamLanding (descent or approach)

On January 6, 1966, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 61-0972) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Pleiku, Vietnam during landing or approach. 5 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

On final approach to Pleiku Airport, an aircraft carrying 30,000 pounds of detonators was struck by enemy fire and crashed near the airfield, killing all five crew members.

Incident

While on final approach to Pleiku Airport at an altitude of 1,200 feet, the aircraft was hit by enemy fire. It crashed approximately 5 kilometers from the airfield. All five crew members aboard were killed.

Flight Details

The flight originated from Saigon-Tan Son Nhat Airport, transporting a cargo of 30,000 pounds of detonators.

Crew

The crew, assigned to the 463 TCW based in Mactan, Philippines, consisted of Captain Richard Joseph Callanan, Captain Lee Christopher Dixon, First Lieutenant Jon Alfred Greenley, Staff Sergeant James Robert Lute, and Airman Second Class Lowell Franklin White.

Probable cause

Shot down by enemy fire.

Related events

Same operator

More Lockheed C-130 Hercules safety records →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jan 1966 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Pleiku, Vietnam?

On final approach to Pleiku Airport, an aircraft carrying 30,000 pounds of detonators was struck by enemy fire and crashed near the airfield, killing all five crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jan 1966 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 6 Jan 1966 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?

Shot down by enemy fire.

More accident analyses