6 fatalities

1972-05-03: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (62-1797) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — An Lộc, Vietnam

An Lộc, VietnamFlight

On May 3, 1972, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 62-1797) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near An Lộc, Vietnam in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by ground 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781234141Data APIEditorial standards

Ground fire shot down a transport aircraft at 500 feet as it returned to Saigon from a resupply mission in An Lộc, killing all six aboard.

Incident Details

During a resupply mission to the region of An Lộc, the aircraft was flying at 500 feet on its return journey to Saigon when it came under attack from ground fire. The airplane was hit and crashed in flames in a prairie, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board.

Crew Members

The deceased crew members were identified as Captain Donald Lee Unger, Captain Alexander Melver, First Lieutenant Thomas Carl Widerquist, Staff Sergeant Lester Bracey, Staff Sergeant Joseph Clifford Hopper, and Staff Sergeant Freddie Leon Slater.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a shootdown by ground fire.