Narrative:
The Hercules was carrying several floating mass-focus bombs in an attempt to blow up the Thanh Hoa Bridge over the Song Ma River ("Carolina Moon" mission). A large explosion was observed in the vicinity of the bridge and the airplane failed to return.
The aircraft was shot down by North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gunners during the run-up to the target. The aircraft crashed 20-25 miles west of the bridge.
| Status: | |
| Date: | Tuesday 31 May 1966 |
| Type: |  Lockheed C-130E Hercules |
| Operator: | United States Air Force - USAF |
| Registration: | 64-0511 |
| MSN: | 3995 |
| First flight: | 1964 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 8 / Occupants: 8 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 8 / Occupants: 8 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | ca 35 km from Thanh Hoa Bridge, Song Ma River ( Vietnam)
|
| Phase: | En route (ENR) |
| Nature: | Military |
| Departure airport: | Da Nang Airport (DAD/VVDN), Vietnam |
| Da Nang Airport (DAD/VVDN), Vietnam |
The Hercules was carrying several floating mass-focus bombs in an attempt to blow up the Thanh Hoa Bridge over the Song Ma River ("Carolina Moon" mission). A large explosion was observed in the vicinity of the bridge and the airplane failed to return.
The aircraft was shot down by North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gunners during the run-up to the target. The aircraft crashed 20-25 miles west of the bridge.
Sources:
» Vietnam Air Losses : United States Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps fixed-wing aircraft losses in Southeast Asia 1961-1973 / Chris HobsonPhotos
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This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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