Crash of a Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer in Sơn La: 7 killed

Date & Time: May 8, 1954
Operator:
Registration:
28.F.6
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
9
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
Shot down by enemy antiaircraft fire and crashed near Sơn La. Seven crew members were killed while two others were injured.
Crew:
M. Monguillon, pilot,
M. Royssat, pilot,
M. Le Coz, navigator,
M. Bouissou, mechanic,
M. Stephan, mechanic,
M. Hoog, radio operator,
M. Lacrosse, radio operator,
M. Carpenter, gunner,
M. Keromnes, gunner.
Probable cause:
Shot down by enemy antiaircraft fire.

Crash of a Douglas C-47A-75-DL in Hanoi: 30 killed

Date & Time: Apr 16, 1953
Operator:
Registration:
F-BESS
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Hanoi - Sơn La
MSN:
19498
YOM:
1944
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
27
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
30
Circumstances:
The aircraft was performing an ambulance flight from Hanoi-Gia Lâm to Sơn La-Nà Sản Airport, carrying 27 wounded soldiers and a crew of three. Shortly after takeoff from Gia Lâm Airport, while in initial climb, the airplane banked left and crashed in a huge explosion. All 30 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The loss of control was due to the failure of the left wing shortly after rotation.