Aircraft crash following takeoff at An Khe Airstrip

No fatalities • An Khe, Vietnam • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed into flames during its initial climb from An Khe Airstrip, resulting in no fatalities among the crew.

What happened

During the early stages of flight, an aircraft experienced a stall immediately after departing from the An Khe Airstrip. As the plane attempted to gain altitude, it lost aerodynamic lift and impacted the ground, subsequently being consumed by fire. Despite the intensity of the post-crash flames, all five crew members were successfully pulled from the wreckage.

Findings

Investigations into the accident indicated that the flight crew's visibility was significantly compromised during the climb. The primary factor contributing to the loss of control was dust kicked up by the rotors of a nearby Chinook helicopter, which obscured the pilot's view and likely interfered with the aircraft's stability during the critical liftoff phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft stalled due to reduced visibility caused by dust clouds generated by a nearby Chinook helicopter rotor.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1967-03-12 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near An Khe, Vietnam?

An aircraft crashed into flames during its initial climb from An Khe Airstrip, resulting in no fatalities among the crew.

Were there any fatalities in the 1967-03-12 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1967-03-12 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 63-7772, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at An Khe, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft stalled due to reduced visibility caused by dust clouds generated by a nearby Chinook helicopter rotor.

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