Aircraft shot down during resupply mission near An Lộc

6 fatalities • An Lộc, Vietnam • Flight

An aircraft was destroyed by ground fire while performing a resupply flight over the An Lộc region, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a mission to deliver supplies over the An Lộc area, an aircraft was struck by enemy fire. The plane was operating at an altitude of approximately 500 feet while returning toward Saigon when it was hit by ground-based weaponry. Following the impact, the aircraft crashed into a prairie, where it caught fire upon impact.

There were six fatalities among the crew members on board during the incident. The flight was part of an ongoing resupply operation in the region at the time of the loss.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the aircraft was shot down by ground fire while in flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by incoming ground-based fire during its return flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-05-03 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near An Lộc, Vietnam?

An aircraft was destroyed by ground fire while performing a resupply flight over the An Lộc region, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-05-03 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-05-03 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 62-1797, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at An Lộc, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed by incoming ground-based fire during its return flight.

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