Incident Overview
The flight originated at Nakhon Phanom Airport with the objective of deploying sensors in the vicinity of Ban Namm. This location sits roughly 48 kilometers to the west of the Demilitarized Zone, a region known for military activity. During the flight, the crew maintained a low cruising altitude. While at this height, the aircraft was struck by small arms fire from the ground. The crew promptly reported that the right engine had exploded. Following the explosion, the aircraft became uncontrollable and subsequently descended into the jungle, where it crashed.
Crew Roster
The nine individuals aboard included the following personnel: Commander Glenn Miller Hayden, Lieutenant Curtis Frank Thurman, Lieutenant Junior Grade James Stephen Kravitz, Ensign James Charles Wonn, Aviation Electronics Technician First Class Paul Nicholas Donato, Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Clayborn Willis Ashby, Aviation Machinist's Mate Second Class Chester Leroy Coons, Aviation Machinist's Mate Frank Arthur Dawson, and Aviation Machinist's Mate James Edward Martin. The accident claimed the lives of all nine crew members.
Official Findings
Investigators determined that the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire, which constitutes the probable cause of the accident.