Here is the photo that I promised you of the EC-47 which collapsed in it's revetment. The photo is dated 8 May 1970 and I believe that this is the exact date or the next day. As you can see, the tail number was 980 and it happened at night. What is not shown is that it happened at PhuCat Air Base, RVN and that the bird was assigned to the 361st Tactical Electronic Warefare Squadron (TEWS).

As I recall, the ultimate cause of the accident was that the landing gear pin (which was tapered at its end) worked itself up in its safety mechanism enabling the weight of the aircraft to cause the landing gear to collapse as the hydrolic pressure bled off. The aircraft was parked in the revetment at the time and the landing gear pin streamer was visible to the safety inspectors, although not shown in the picture.

I have no memory of anyone being injured in any way as a result of the landing gear collapse.

Hope this helps to set the story right. I do have other pictures (official ones, like this one); however, they are equally dark. If you want them, just let me know.

Best Regards,

Tom Eisenhart

Formerly: Aircraft Maintenance Officer 361st TEWS