Aircraft loss near Ban Namm due to ground fire

9 fatalities • Muang Phine, Laos • Flight

A military aircraft crashed in a jungle area near the DMZ after sustaining engine damage from small arms fire during a sensor delivery mission.

What happened

During a mission to deliver sensors to a location near Ban Namm, situated approximately 48 km west of the DMZ, an aircraft was operating at a low altitude. The flight had recently departed from Nakhon Phanom Airport. While in the cruise phase of flight, the aircraft was struck by small arms fire, which resulted in the immediate explosion of the right engine.

Following the engine failure, the plane became uncontrollable and descended into the jungle. The accident resulted in nine fatalities, with no survivors among the crew members on board.

Findings

Investigations concluded that the primary reason for the loss of the aircraft was that it was shot down by enemy fire during its low-altitude transit.

Probable cause

The aircraft was struck by small arms fire, causing an engine explosion and subsequent loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1968-02-17 Lockheed P-2 Neptune accident near Muang Phine, Laos?

A military aircraft crashed in a jungle area near the DMZ after sustaining engine damage from small arms fire during a sensor delivery mission.

Were there any fatalities in the 1968-02-17 Lockheed P-2 Neptune accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1968-02-17 involved a Lockheed P-2 Neptune, registration 131486, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Muang Phine, Laos.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was struck by small arms fire, causing an engine explosion and subsequent loss of control.

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