Incident Overview
Date: Tuesday 27 February 1968
Aircraft Type: Lockheed OP-2E Neptune
Owner/operator: United States Navy
Registration Number: 131484
Location: within Laos –
ÿ Laos
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 10
Component Affected: Hydraulic and electrical systems of the Lockheed OP-2E Neptune.Hydraulic and electrical systems of the Lockheed OP-2E Neptune.
On July 14, 1968, the Lockheed OP-2E Neptune was shot down by an unidentified aerial menace (AAA) in Laos. The aircraft was operating at 5,000 feet above dense jungle terrain, specifically within the radar well area formerly occupied by the APS-20E radar. One crewman was killed instantly. Hydraulic and electrical systems were severely damaged, and the aircraft filled with acrid smoke and fumes. The Commander ordered the crew to bail out, and the Commander remained at the controls until all remaining crewmen successfully bailed out. The Commander was subsequently listed as MiA.On July 14, 1968, the Lockheed OP-2E Neptune was shot down by an unidentified aerial menace (AAA) in Laos. The aircraft was operating at 5,000 feet above dense jungle terrain, specifically within the radar well area formerly occupied by the APS-20E radar. One crewman was killed instantly. Hydraulic and electrical systems were severely damaged, and the aircraft filled with acrid smoke and fumes. The Commander ordered the crew to bail out, and the Commander remained at the controls until all remaining crewmen successfully bailed out. The Commander was subsequently listed as MiA.
Description
The Lockheed OP-2E Neptune was shot down by AAA in Laos. The aircraft was flying at 5,000 feet above the jungle tops when it was hit in the radar well area where the old APS -20E radar had been removed. One crewman was killed instantly. The hydraulic and electrical systems were severely damaged and the aircraft immediately filled with acrid smoke and fumes. The Commander ordered his crew to bail out. He remained at the controls of the stricken aircraft until the remaining seven crewmen had successfully bailed out. He was seen to bail out, but never located and listed as MiA.
Source of Information
http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_serials/navyserials.htmlhttp://www.joebaugher.com/navy_serials/navyserials.htmlPrimary Cause
Unidentified aerial menace (AAA) ? likely a missile or other weapon system.Unidentified aerial menace (AAA) ? likely a missile or other weapon system.Share on:
