EC-47 43-49201, Crashes March 9, 1967

EC-47 TIDE 86, First EC-47 Loss

(Note: The following is based on documents included in the "History of the 361st Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron, 1 Jan 67 - 31 Mar 67" from the archives of the US Air Force Historical Agency, Maxwell AFB, Alabama. All times are Vietnam local.)

This first bit of information was added to this site on November 27, 1999 and is directly from an original document drafted by James F. Casey, Lt. Col. Operations Officer, 361st TEWS, Nha Trang and was released by Ralph L. Stapper, Lt. Col. Squadron Commander, 361st TEWS, Nha Trang and on DD Form 173-1. No date found or was obliterated.

The following summary outlines the major portion of the mission flown by RC-47 Tide 86, Acft 43-49201, on 9 Mar. 67. Some conjecture by experienced crew members has been necessary but most of the data contained herein was established from printer tapes, a major fragment of the navigator's work chart and operators's notes recovered from the wreckage.

A self-test printer tape at 0616Z (1416L) places the A/C 022/36NM from Nha Trang TACAN and establishes operative equipment and an accurate console clock setting, normal routine (assumption) places the A/C at Qui Nhon TACAN at approx. 0650Z (1450L) at which place DOPPLER was probably set either visually or by TACAN. Due to reported WX it was probably TACAN. This assumption is supported by a N-S line on chart at this point but no E-W line.

Tapes from wreckage established position of A/C at either BS 010036 or as 962006, at 0726Z (1526L). Since BS 010036 was marked on a tape and corresponded exactly with the N-S line at Qui Nhon mentioned above, we place the A/C at BS 010036 at 0726Z (1526L). Target Alpha (first target) was probably worked before this time since recovered tape shows target Bravo worked at 0746Z (1546L) and is on same tape. An operator's note recovered from crash indicates a priority target worked between 0707Z and 0710Z (1507L-1510L). Correlation with navigator's chart confirms a target Alpha which was worked but probably incomplete.

From BS 010036 A/C proceeded to BS 48307 and obtained partial data on target Bravo at 0746Z (1546L). Immediately thereafter target Charlie was worked commencing at 0748Z (1548L) and ceased at 0756Z (1556L) confirming Charlie at BS356574. Nothing recovered from crash indicated what transpired from 0756Z - 0840Z (1556L - 1640L) but we assume targets Delta and Echo were worked since next tape recovered was marked Foxtrot.

Assuming same Doppler point we plotted Foxtrot at BS 755235. A single group of data places the A/C at BS 650270 at 0853Z (1653L). This is the last known position of A/C correlated with time. While the navigator was plotting Foxtrot, activity commenced on target Golf.

The aircraft had progressed southward to BS 800060 at an estimated time of 0906Z (1706L). Golf was plotted on navigator's chart and is clearly over water. Using minimum reasonable times, the A/C probably arrived at G-5 at 0930Z - 1013Z. This location is approx. CS 078315. Plotting other Golf data probably resulted in a descent to establish visual contact with the surface vessel IAW Market Time Proceedures. A recovered scrap of operator's paper showed some activity as late as 1013Z (1813L). This time (1013Z) is assumed to be the latest reasonable time A/C was near position G-5 (CS 078315). An A/C clock in the wreckage stopped at 1020Z (1820L).

Following is considered supposition, REPEAT, supposition, of what probably transpired in the next five to ten minutes. The A/C decended either visually or under radar (no record) to 1500 feet over water to visually locate vessel. Either weather conditions prevented visual sighting or if sighted, low altitude prevented reporting at this assumed time of 1013Z (1813L) Darkness would soon be a factor and an attempt to set the Doppler visually for the last time may have been attempted. A highway - railroad intersection at 254 degrees/10NM from G-5 may have been attemted and is considered likely. Upon completion of Doppler set a climbing turn would certainly be immediately initiated. Maneuvering for a N/S Doppler run for safer terrain may have been discarded to save time and reduce exposure in this high threat area. The Crash occured at a point 260 degrees 8.4 NM from this assumed Doppler point.

This was one of our most experienced and individually highly qualified crews, each member was instructor material. The pilots were non drinkers, very professional and never know to deviate from established procedures or safe practices. The aircraft commander was Squadron Flying Safety Officer. His copilot, who was in the left seat, was Squadron Life Support Officer. The navigator and flight mechanic were instructors.

In consideration of the above reconstruction, the conclusion is submitted that some serious cockit emergency took place after the Doppler set. In this high threat area, battle damage, power loss, engind fire, or a combination of all these could destract the crew during the 4 minutes from assumed Doppler set to crash. Heavy small arms or automatic weapons fire could have precipitated evasive action delaying the turn back to safer terrain. Wreckage was so badly torn, burned and scattered that positive battle damage determination was impossible.

Facts and carefully considered conjecture in this report is based primarily on recovered data on file at Det. 1 6994 Sec Sq., intimate knowledge of the crew and visualobservation at crash scene.

End of this report.

RC-47 [designation later changed to EC-47]serial number 43-49201 of the 361st Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron, operating under the tactical callsign TIDE 86, departed Nha Trang air base at 1425 hrs 09 MAR 67, on PHYLLIS ANN mission number 2880. ETA back at Nha Trang was estimated to be 2055 hrs. The last positive contact was with PEACOCK control at 1425 hrs. The aircraft at that time was 130 degrees for 102 nautical miles off Pleiku TACAN [channel 53.]

A communications search initiated at ETA + 35 yielded no results and at 2340 hrs, the 38th rescue SQN was notified. Bad weather the next day hampered aerial search activities by the USAF and surface searches by USN and Vietnamese navy boats in the adjacent off shore areas, but the RC-47 was sighted by a USAF O-1 FAC at approx. 0810 hrs 11 MAR at 14 deg 40.5 min N / 108 deg 58.75 min E.

A 361st/6994th team from Nha Trang was flown to the crash site by helicopter, arriving at 1520 hrs. The wreckage was on hillside, approximately 200 feet below the ridge. The aircraft appeared to have been in a climbing left turn. The left wing was torn off and the forward half of the aircraft was torn apart, scattered and burned. The pilot, co-pilot and flight mechanic were found in this area and identified. The rear portion of the fuselage lay 140 feet down valley in an inverted position, badly torn apart but not burned. Six bodies were identified, the seventh was not recognizable. All deaths appeared to be instantaneous and all bodies were recovered.

It appeared that "the VC � thoroughly combed the area stripping valuables, survival gear, boots and socks, side arms, gun box (5-M-16's) and canteens." The ARDF equipment did not appear to have been tampered with. The navigator's console was fairly intact and was destroyed by an army demolition team along with the IFF andsuch ARDF equipment that could not be salvaged. One undamaged altimeter read 1,740 ft and the clock read 1820 hrs. No engine instruments were located and the throttle quadrant could not be found. Props were not feathered, but engines were so badly destroyed by the crash and fire that inspection "yielded little factual data." Leaflets carried on the aircraft [for decoy purposes] were scattered all around the site. Both pilots were experienced and highly qualified. The crash reports note that both were non-drinkers.

By reviewing the navigator's work chart, printer tapes, and the radio operators' notes, it was possible to reconstruct at least some of what happened during the last minutes before TIDE 86 smashed into the hillside. TIDE 86 appeared to have last worked target "golf" (i.e., the 7th of the mission), which was clearly plotted over water. The investigators conjectured that TIDE 86 descended in an attempt to make visual contact in accordance with MARKET TIME procedures. It was supposed that either weather prevented a sighting or that if a sighting was made, low altitude (1,500 feet) prevented reporting it.

The team further conjectured that TIDE 86 attempted to make one last Doppler setting [at point G-5] before darkness set in and that "some serious cockpit emergency" took place immediately thereafter. "In this high threat area", the report noted, "battle damage, power loss, engine fire, or a combination of all three" could have distracted the crew in the 4 minutes between the last Doppler setting and the crash. The report also noted that "heavy small arms or automatic weapons fire could have precipitated evasive action, delaying the return back to safer terrain." The wreckage was found at a point 260 degrees 8.4 nm from this last supposed Doppler set point. TIDE 86 was the first EC-47 lost to enemy action in Southeast Asia.

Crewmembers Lost from each unit

Ivel Doan Freeman Major 361st TEWS
Leroy Preston Bohrer Major 361st TEWS
Roger Paul Richardson Captain 361st TEWS
Prentice Fay Brenton SSgt. 361st TEWS

Raymond F. Leftwich TSgt. Det.1 6994th SS
Charles D. Land A1c Det.1 6994th SS
Daniel C. Reese A1c Det.1 6994th SS

Joe Martin

01 MAY 98

[email protected]



More data on Tide 86, This data directly from

Official Declassified Documents

A SPECIAL HISTORICAL STUDY OF USAFSS RESPONSE TO WORLD CRISES

1949 - 1969

United States Air Force Security Service

When you see ( . ), that portion was censored.

At approximately 1530Z on 9 March, Det 1, 6994th SS reported to HQ USAFSS that a PHYLLIS ANN C-47 ( . ) number 43-49201 was overdue from a mission. A check of all bases in and out of South Vietnam for a possible emergency landing failed to locate the aircraft.

By 10 March 1967, it was obvious that the aircraft had crashed. The 6994th SS reported that "We have given some areas of search concentration to rescue people based on last known location of ( . ) scheduled for that mission." Meanwhile, 7th AF told the rescue people to give the search mission a high priority. Also, 7th AF instructed the rescue people to destroy the aircraft with napalm an high explosives when they found it, providing, of course, that there was no one in or around it and there was no way to secure and salvage it.

Downed C-47 Sighted

On 11 March 1967, 7th AF (TACC) reported that a downed C-47 had been sighted and one U.S. body was laying beside the aircraft. There was no sign of life. The aircraft was broken up and there was evidence of flash fire.

Later that day, an Army ground rescue party reached the aircraft. The point of impact was approximately 200 feet from the top of a mountain. Both engines appeared to have been operating and the fire occurred on impact. The Pilot, Co-Pilot and Flight Engineer were inside the aircraft; the Radio Operators and Navigator were outside. All apparently were killed before or at crash impact. Viet Cong or mountain tribesmen (Montagnards) had been on the scene. While all weapons, shoes, and other personal effects of the crew members, were missing, there was no evidence of interest in classified material. The ( . ) ( . ) partially burned with some pages missing was recovered. All classified materials and aircraft papers within view and witnin a radius of 500 yards were recovered. Psychological warfare leaflets were scattered over a large portion of the crash area.

Approximately 20 feet of the fuselage containing the ARD-18 had torn off and was inverted. The "X" operator's chair was still erect, but the ARD-18 console was torn loose. All equipment was removed from the fuselage before Army de- molition experts destroyed it with 50 HC-4 charges. The only portion of the equipment not found was the Franklin printer. Remaining portions of the aircraft also were destroyed by the demolition team.

Due to partial destruction of the aircraft by impact and fire, cause of the crash, whether ground fire or other cause, could not be immediately determined.

However, the investigating officer later determined that an explosion took place in the rear compartment of the aircraft in the vicinity of the ( . ) position. The autopsy reports showed numerous pieces of shrapnel in the bodies of crew members occupying the fuselage. One had a wound, appearing to be a gunshot, beginning below the chin and coming out the head, indicating that small arms fire also took place. The 1013Z time found on the operator's scratch pad was the time of the last positive aircraft position. Two assumptions were made: (1) the ( . ) had scored a direct hit in the aircraft fuselage, or (2) the air- craft was hit while making a doppler set ove a doppler set point. The latter seemed to be more logical based on time factors. Also, since the doppler set points were used constantly, it was concluded that the Viet Cong would soom be able to detect this and set up antiaircraft fire at these points.

As mentiond previously, the psychological warfare leaflets aboard the aircraft were scattered around the crash area.

As a result of this battle lose, the following procedures were immediately put into effect: 1. The terrain clearance COMPASS DART (PHYLLIS ANN) aircraft was raised from 1500 to 2000 feet. 2. ( . ) material aboard the aircraft for use by USAFSS personnel was reduced to a minimum. 3. Doppler set point procedures were modified to prevent establishment of predictable patterns.



In Memorium

MAJOR IVEL DOAN FREEMAN, 361st Reconnaissance Squadron. Wife: Mrs. Bettie R. Freeman, Lincoln, Nebraska. Children: Leonard K. Freeman, 17; Andrea L. Freeman, 5. Awards: Air Force Commendation Medal, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal, 1 Bronze Service Star; Air Force Longevity Service Award, 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; Vietnam Service Medal; Air Medal, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters.

MAJOR LEROY PRESTON BOHRER, 361st Reconnaissance Squadron. Wife: Mrs. Rugh D. Bohrer, Sunset, Utah. Children: Carson F. Bohrer, 13; Lorraine Bohrer, 12; Jacqueline Bohrer, 11; Susan Bohrer, 8; and Betty Bohrer, 5. Mother: Mrs Ethel L. Bohrer, Arlington, Virginia. Awards: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; World War II Victory Medal; National Defense Service Medal, 1 Bronze Service Star; Air Force Longevity Service Medal, 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Air Medal, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters.

CAPTAIN ROGER PAUL RICHARDSON, 361st Reconnaissance Squadron. Wife: Mrs. Barbara E. Richardson, Denver, Colorado. Children: Russell P. Richardson, 8; Elizabeth G. Richardson, 6; and Charles N. Richardson, 1 1/2. Parents; Mr. and Mrs. Russell B. Richardson, Great Falls, Montana. Awards: Good Conduct Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Award, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; and Air Medal, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters.

SSGT PRENTICE FAY BRENTON, 361st Reconnaissance Squadron. Wife: Mrs. Helen J. Brenton, North Hampton, New Hampshire. Mother: Mrs. Lucy V. Thornton, Evansville, Indiana. Awards: American Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; National Defense Service Medal, 1 Bronze Star; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, 1 Bronze Star; Presidential Unit Citation, 1 Bronze Star; Navy Unit Citation; Air Force Longevity Service Award, 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; Good Conduct Medal; Air Force Good Conduct Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; and Air Medal, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters.

TSGT RAYMOND FRANCIS LEFTWICH, Det. 1, 6994th Security Squadron. Wife: Mrs Betty Carolyn Leftwich, San Angelo, Texas. Mother: Mrs Francis Veratta Duvall, Grand Junction Colorado. Awards: American Campaign Medal; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal; Philippine Liberation Ribbon, 2 Bronze Service Stars; World War II Victory Medal; Army of Occupation Medal,Germany; National Defense Service Medal, 1 Bronze Service Star; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; Good Conduct Medal, 3 Bronze Loops; Air Force Good Conduct Medal; Air Force Longevity Award, 4 Bronze Loops; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; Vietnam Servide Medal and Air Medal.

A1C CHARLES DWAYNE LAND, Det. 1 6994th Security Squadron. Wife: Mrs. Donna Marie Land, Denver, Colorado. Parents: Mr. & Mrs. David Samuel Land, Dayton, Ohio. Awards: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; Air Force Good Conduct Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; and Air Medal, 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.

A1C DANIEL CURTIS REESE, Det. 1 6994th Security Squadron. Wife: Mrs Sondra Carole Reese, Seat Pleasant, Maryland. Father: Mr. Daniel Russell Reese, Seat Pleasant, Maryland. Grandmother: Mrs. Daisy Reese, Bluefield, Virginia. Awards: National Defense Service Medal; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; Vietnam Service Medal; and Air Medal.

Memorial Service and Missing Man Formation. These Photos were taken March 15, 1967 at the actual Memorial held at Nha Trang for the crew of Tide 86. It was held in the open air Theater - you can see a part of the screen in the photo. It would be interesting to know who the three crews were in the formation.