Engine failure leads to crash at Sông Bé Airfield

No fatalities • Sông Bé, Vietnam • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced an engine failure during its final approach to Sông Bé Airfield, resulting in a crash short of the runway.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight toward Sông Bé Airfield, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power in one of its engines. The mechanical failure caused the plane to lose sufficient lift, leading to an aerodynamic stall. Consequently, the aircraft descended rapidly and impacted the ground in flames at a location before reaching the runway threshold.

Despite the intensity of the post-impact fire, all seven crew members were able to evacuate the wreckage safely. While there were no fatalities among the occupants, the impact and subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft.

Findings

Investigations into the incident identified that the primary factor leading to the loss of control was an engine failure occurring during the approach to the airfield.

Probable cause

The engine failed while the aircraft was on final approach, causing a stall and subsequent crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1968-05-15 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Sông Bé, Vietnam?

An aircraft experienced an engine failure during its final approach to Sông Bé Airfield, resulting in a crash short of the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 1968-05-15 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1968-05-15 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 63-7875, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Sông Bé, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failed while the aircraft was on final approach, causing a stall and subsequent crash.

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