12 fatalities

1966-02-01: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (149809) — United States Marine Corps (USMC) — Đồng Hới, Vietnam

Đồng Hới, VietnamFlight

On February 1, 1966, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 149809) operated by United States Marine Corps (USMC) was involved in an aviation accident near Đồng Hới, Vietnam in flight. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause could not be determined with certainty; possibilities include being shot down by enemy fire (unproven) or a technical failure leading to an explosion. 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 1781241342Data APIEditorial standards

While returning from a supply mission, an aircraft exploded in midair and crashed into the sea 24 km off Đồng Hới, killing all six crew members. The exact cause remains undetermined.

Incident

The aircraft was returning from a supply mission when it exploded in midair and crashed into the sea approximately 24 kilometers off Đồng Hới. All six crew members were killed in the accident.

Crew

The crew consisted of 1st Lt. Albert Michael Prevost, Maj. Richard Andrew Alm, G/Sgt. Galen Francis Humphrey, Sgt. Peter George Vlahakos, S/Sgt. Donald Leroy Coates, and S/Sgt. Russell Burr Luker.

Investigation

The official investigation could not determine the exact cause of the accident with certainty. It is possible that the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire, but this was not proven. Another possibility is that a technical failure occurred in flight, causing the aircraft to explode.

Probable cause

The exact cause could not be determined with certainty; possibilities include being shot down by enemy fire (unproven) or a technical failure leading to an explosion.