U-Tapao '69 B=52 Crash -- Vietnam Vets & Proud Post Board

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Date Posted: 06:43:18 10/12/04 Tue
Author: Chuck
Subject: U-Tapao '69 B=52 Crash

I was there! About 2PM,just waking up (working 6P to 6A). I didn't know any of the crew. I was told Aircraft Commander(A/C) aborted take-off after S-1(Commit Point)in the rain. This was a B-52D, crew of 6, 5 front end and the Gunner in his own compartment under the vertical stabilizer. Gunner, who had been in another B-52 crash at Kadena 9/68, popped his turret as soon as the A/C aborted. When the aircraft passed the last taxiway and entered the overrun, the Gunner jumped and ran east up the bomber ramp.

A/C attempted to make rt turn on last taxiway. Frd gear tuned, aircraft didn't (hydroplaned). When aircraft left paving at the end of overrun Fwd gear collapsed causing fire in fwd wheel well area. Aircraft stopped, front end crew evacuated aircraft.

Rescue chopper arrived in time to see front end crew evacuate but did not see gunner. They were hovering over acft for fire suppression for Gunner egress when the aircraft exploded. Chopper was blown over and crashed inverted. 2 chopper crew killed instantly,3rd survived crash, but not long enough to be air evaced out.

Unexploded 500lb bombs were scattered all over the north end of the base. Some were stuck in rafters of the Royal Thai Navy Hanger, some in the hootch area, some off base across highway. Runway was closed about 24 hours.

I'm sorry I don't recal the tail# of the B52 or names of crew. I may have a Stars & Stripes clip of this incident if I can ever find it.

Hope this helps. Feel free to email me direct(Dodge10@netins.net)if I can be of any further help. Good luck!

I am also in the middle of a VA disability claim.

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Replies:

Re: U-Tapao '69 B=52 Crash -- john leger, 18:15:07 05/09/14 Fri