Small-Arms Attack on a Military Airlift After Takeoff from Sóc Trăng (62-1853)

Incident Overview and Immediate Outcome A military aircraft was struck by small-arms fire while climbing to approximately 500 feet after takeoff from Sóc Trăng. The aircraft subsequently went out of control and crashed in a field. The accident resulted in the deaths of seven crew members and 23 passengers, who were identified as U.S. and South Vietnamese soldiers. Fourteen other occupants were injured. ## Casualties The seven crew members killed in the accident were: - Maj. Jerry Duane Vance - Cpt. Terry Kohler - Maj. James Wesley Fulk - Cpt. Merrill Howard Masin - Cpt. Charles Price Roberts - Cpt. Timmie Joe Ward - M/Sgt. Ray Edwin Tannehill The 23 passengers killed were U.S. and South Vietnamese soldiers. Fourteen additional occupants sustained injuries. ## Official Finding The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was that the aircraft was shot down by small arms after takeoff.