2 fatalities

Supply Mission Aircraft Shot Down Near Nakhon Phanom Airport, Two Pilots Killed (131484)

Ban Karai Pass, LaosFlight

On February 27, 1968, a Lockheed P-2 Neptune (registration 131484) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Ban Karai Pass, Laos in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by enemy 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on a supply mission involving sensor drops was struck by enemy fire at low altitude near Nakhon Phanom Airport. Seven occupants bailed out before the crash; both pilots were killed, and seven others were evacuated.

Incident

A crew departed Nakhon Phanom Airport to conduct a supply mission that included dropping sensors. While flying at a low height, the aircraft was struck by enemy fire. Seven occupants bailed out before the aircraft crashed in flames into a dense wooded area.

Casualties and Evacuation

Both pilots were killed in the incident. The deceased were identified as Cdr Paul Lloyd Milius and P02 John Francis Hartzheim. The seven other occupants were evacuated approximately five hours after the crash.

Probable Cause

Official findings determined that the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire.