Crash of an Antonov AN-74TK-300D in Xiang Khouang: 16 killed

Date & Time: May 17, 2014 at 0615 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
RDPL-34020
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Vientiane – Xieng Khouang
MSN:
470 98 982
YOM:
2007
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
11
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
16
Circumstances:
On final approach to Xieng Khouang Airport, the aircraft descended too low, impacted trees and crashed in a dense wooded area located some 1,500 metres short of runway, bursting into flames. 14 occupants were killed while 3 others were injured, among them a nurse. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. A day later, two survivors died from their injuries and the nurse was the only survivor. Among the passengers were members of the Laotian Government flying to Xieng Khouang to attend a celebration of the creation of the 2nd Division of the Laotian Army. Among the passengers were the Laotian Ministry of Defense and Vice-Prime Minister Mr. Douangchay Phichit, the Secretary of the National Party Mr. Cheuang Sombounkhanh, the Mayor of Vientiane Mr. Soukanh Mahalath and the Laotian Ministry of Public Safety Mr. Thongbanh Sengaphone. For unknown reason, the crew was approaching the airport at a too low altitude.

Crash of a Yakovlev Yak-40 near Long Tieng: 26 killed

Date & Time: May 25, 1998 at 1020 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
RDPL-34001
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Vientiane – Xieng Khouang – Hanoi
MSN:
9 43 18 35
YOM:
1974
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
22
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
26
Circumstances:
The aircraft was chartered by the Lao Air Force to carry a delegation from the Vietnam Air Force who took part to a military conference in Vientiane. On board were high ranking officers from the Vietnam Army Forces, among them General Đào Trọng Lịch. On the leg from Vientiane to Xieng Khouang, while cruising at an altitude of 6,000 feet in reduced visibility due to heavy rain falls, the aircraft struck tree tops and crashed on the slope of a mountain located near Long Tieng. The wreckage was found in a wooded area at an altitude of 1,800 metres. All 26 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain after the crew initiated the descent to Xieng Khouang prematurely. Poor visibility due to heavy rain falls was a contributing factor.

Crash of a Fairchild C-123B-16-FA Provider in Xieng Khouang: 3 killed

Date & Time: Nov 27, 1962
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N5004X
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Vientiane – Xieng Khouang
MSN:
20233
YOM:
1955
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
On final approach to Xieng Khouang Airport, while on a cargo flight from Vientiane, the airplane was hit by ground fire. Projectiles hit the cockpit, the right engine and the right wing. Out of control, the airplane crashed 5,6 km from the runway threshold, killing all three crew members.
Probable cause:
Shot down by enemy fire.

Crash of a Curtiss C-46D-20-CU Commando near Xieng Khouang: 6 killed

Date & Time: Feb 4, 1962
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
B-916
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
22362
YOM:
1945
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Circumstances:
The aircraft was completing a supply drop mission in the region of Xieng Khouang when it was shut down by the pilot of a North Vietnam Air Force fighter and crashed. All six occupants were killed, three crew members and three dispatchers.
Crew:
Herbert S. Strouss, pilot,
Howard F. Heinrich, copilot,
Hsu-Chiu Lee, copilot.
Probable cause:
Shut down by enemy fire.