Air America

Volpar Turboliner 18

Lost without trace while completing a ferry flight from Midway Island to Adak, Aleutians Islands. The pilot did not send any distress call. SAR operations did not find any trace from the aircraft nor the pilot.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

Crashed upon landing at U-Tapao NAS while completing a flight from Saigon. The aircraft was destroyed but there were no casualties.

Fairchild C-123 Provider

While approaching Nha Trang Airport on a cargo flight from Ðà L<U+1EA1>t, the airplane was shot down by a SA-7 surface-to-air missile and crashed 9 km southwest of Nha Trang. The wreckage was found four days later and all nine occupants have been killed.

Fairchild C-123 Provider

The aircraft was on its way back to Saigon after the crew delivered an important load of rice in Phonm Penh. While descending to Saigon Airport, the airplane was shot down by a Strela missile and crashed about 9 km south of M<U+1ED9>c Hóa. All five occupants were killed.

Fairchild C-123 Provider

En route to Saigon on a cargo flight, the airplane was hit by a SAM-7 missile. The captain decided to attempt an emergency landing when the airplane crash landed in a prairie located 6,5 km south of Tây Ninh. All four crew members were rescued while the aircraft was written off.

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

After touchdown, the airplane was unable to stop within the remaining distance, overran and came to rest. All 10 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3)

The aircraft was completing a charter flight on behalf of China Airlines. After touchdown, the pilot-in-command encountered difficulties to decelerate properly and as the end of the runway was approaching, he decided to make a sharp turn to the left when the airplane skidded and struck an embankment before coming to rest. All nine occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

After touchdown at Ban Boua Mu Airstrip, the single engine went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest in flames on a dirt bank. All eight occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was destroyed. A woman was killed on the ground.

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

The pilot, sole on board, was completing a cargo flight from Biên Hòa to Lam Son Airfield (V-214). On final approach, he lost control of the airplane that crashed in flames few hundred meters from the runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was injured.

Fairchild C-123 Provider

Crashed in unknown circumstances, killing all four crew members.

Fairchild C-123 Provider

En route from Vientiane to Savannakhét on a cargo flight with 5,4 tons of various goods, the airplane was hit by enemy fire. Two crew members bailed out when the airplane went out of control and crashed. Both pilots were killed. One kicker was killed when he jumped without a parachute while the second kicker parachuted from the aircraft and survived.

De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou

While on a supply mission from Pakse and flying at low height, the airplane was struck by ground fire and crashed in flames in the region of Salavan. All four occupants were killed.

Fairchild C-123 Provider

The aircraft departed Pakse on a supply mission, carrying foods and ammunition loaded on 14 pallets. While flying at low height, the airplane was hit by enemy fire. All four crew members decided to bail out and abandoned the aircraft that crashed in a huge explosion and was destroyed. All four crew members were unhurt.

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

The pilot and his passenger departed Ban Huoeisay (Houei Sai) on a cargo flight to Ban Vieng with rice bags on board. While flying at low height, the airplane went out of control and crashed in a prairie. Both occupants were injured, the pilot seriously.

Fairchild C-123 Provider

The aircraft was on its way from Vang Vieng to Long Tieng, carrying 6,7 tons of various military materials on behalf of the US Air Force. While cruising in marginal weather conditions, the crew failed to realize his altitude was insufficient when the airplane struck a mountain at an altitude of 4,850 feet. The wreckage was found 20 feet below the summit and all nine occupants were killed.

Fairchild C-123 Provider

On approach to Pleiku Airport, the airplane crashed in unknown circumstances few km from the airport. All eight occupants were killed.

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

The airplane was engaged in a supply mission out from Vientiane-Wattay Airport, carrying two passengers, two crew and a load of 2,780 pounds of food. While approaching the drop zone and flying below the cloud base, the pilot-in-command initiated a steep turn to the left when the airplane stalled and crashed. A passenger survived while three other occupants were killed. It is believed that the aircraft's speed was too low during the last turn, causing it to stall and to crash.

Curtiss C-46 Commando

On approach to Pleiku Airport, the crew failed to realize his altitude was too low when the airplane struck the slope of a mountain located few km from the airport. The awreckage was found about 15 meters below the summit and all 32 occupants were killed, among them 6 China Airlines employees (three crew members and three mechanics), 11 US soldiers, 14 South-Vietnam soldiers and one South-Vietnam civilian.

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

While cruising over mountainous terrain, the pilot encountered difficulties when the single engine airplane struck trees and crashed in a jungle. The pilot and three passengers were killed while six other passengers were injured.

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

While completing a low pass over a previous accident site, the pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed in Ban Xieng Lom, about 8 km southeast of Luang Prabang. The pilot was killed while two other occupants were injured.

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

While taking off from Tin Bong Airfield, the single engine airplane rolled on a landmine and exploded. It came to rest and was destroyed. All three occupants were injured.

De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou

On final approach to Pha Khao Airstrip (LS-14), obstruction was sighted on the runway and the captain decided to make a go-around. For unknown reason, the left engine failed to respond and the aircraft stalled and struck the runway surface. It bounced heavily, went out of control and veered off runway. It lost its undercarriage and its right wing before coming to rest. All 34 passengers, Laotian military personnel, were evacuated while all a crew member was killed, three other being injured. Crew: Gordon V. Smith, pilot, D. M. Houston, copilot, M. S. Bailey, flight engineer, Khamouth Sousadalay, kicker. †

Fairchild C-123 Provider

The C-123K transport plane departed Udon Thani RTAFB (UTH), Thailand on a so called Peppergrinder flight, which consisted of loading and dispatching mixed ordnance for use in Laos. Destination was Ban Xieng Lom Airstrip (LS-69). The airplane was loaded with 12,892 pounds of mixed ordnance, including 75 mm shells, 81 mm rounds, 222 caliber small arms ammunition and white phosphorus smoke rounds. Based on the computed crosswinds at 8,500 feet, 293's reported altitude, it was likely that 293 was to the right of his desired track enroute out of Udon Than and at a higher than normal ground speed. The pilot though supposedly well familiar with the route, was likely flying an inadequate cross-wind correction heading in and out of cloud bases. This could have placed him to the right of L-23 and, later, well to the right and beyond LS-62 since no navigational aids were available. A valley, similar to that of LS-62, is present just to the northeast of LS-62 and close to Route 46. Had the captain been to the northeast of his reported position at LS-62 and initiated a descending left turn towards LS-69, the enemy reaction over Route 46 would be immediate and violent. Large anti-aircraft guns were only 15 miles north of LS-62. Source: ASN

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

After landing at Long Tieng Airfield, the single engine airplane went out of control, veered off runway and collided with fuel drums. Several explosions occurred, destroyed the aircraft and a parked Fairchild C-123K Provider registered 54-0613. All five occupants evacuated safely.

Curtiss C-46 Commando

While cruising at low height on a cargo flight, the airplane was shot down and crashed in flames in a mountainous area. Both crew members were killed.

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

In unknown circumstances, the single engine airplane collided with a USAF Cessna U-17A (Cessna 185) registered 65-10853 and carrying two people. Both aircraft crashed, killing all six occupants.

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

The single engine airplane departed Chiang Mai Airport for a local supply mission. In unknown circumstances, the pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed in flames in a wooded area located in the mountains of the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park located northwest of Chiang Mai. While all three occupants were rescued, the aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire.

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

En route, the single engine airplane went out of control and crashed on the slope of a mountain located south of Tha Tham Bleung. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were killed.

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

Approaching C<U+1EA7>n Tho Airport from the north, the pilot of the Porter requested permission to land and was on VHF frequency. At the same time, a crew of two on board a Bell AH-1G Cobra registered 67-15676 was given permission to takeoff. While climbing, the helicopter struck the Porter, causing both airplanes to crash. All eight occupants were killed.

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

The single engine airplane departed Long Tieng Airfield at 1655LT on a special flight to Sam Thong under the provisions of contract no. AID-439-342. Five minutes later, during an en route climb, the aircraft was observed to perform an erratic maneuver for the nature of flight involved and crashed into a hillside. All 12 passengers, Laotian citizens, and the pilot Cpt Ralph S. Davis, were killed. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire.

Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor

After touchdown at Vung Tàu Airport, the twin engine airplane went out of control, veered off runway and collided with two parked aircraft, a Grumman OV-1 registered 61-2712 and an U-6A Beaver registered 53-7397. All three airplanes were destroyed and all eight occupants on board the TC-45 were seriously injured.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

While cruising in poor weather conditions, the airplane struck trees and crashed on the slope of a wooded mountain. The wreckage was found few hours later and all 12 occupants were killed.

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

During the takeoff roll at Old San Soak Airstrip, the single engine airplane went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest. The accident occurred under mortar fire.

Curtiss C-46 Commando

Just after liftoff, while climbing, one of the engine failed. The crew elected to return and initiated a turn when the aircraft impacted trees, causing a wing to be torn off. Out of control, the aircraft crashed in a field. Two passengers were seriously injured while 26 other occupants were killed.

Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor

The right engine caught fire upon landing at Saigon Airport. The pilot escaped uninjured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Fairchild C-123 Provider

On final approach to Na Khang Airport, the crew failed to realize his altitude was too low when the airplane struck a 50 cm high earth bank located 10 meters short of runway threshold. On impact, the undercarriage were torn off and the aircraft belly landed. All four crew members were uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

After landing at Gia Nghia Airstrip, the airplane was unable to stop within the remaining distance, overran and came to rest in a ditch. There were no casualties.

Dornier DO.28A/B

After liftoff from M<U+1EF9> Tho Airstrip, the twin engine aircraft stalled and crashed in a rice paddy field. While all five passengers were injured, the pilot Roelf Bijl was killed.

Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor

The twin engine aircraft was completing a special flight from Qu<U+1EA3>ng Ngãi to Ðà N<U+1EB5>ng with an intermediate stop in Tam K<U+1EF3> on behalf of the US Air Force. Shortly after takeoff from Tam K<U+1EF3> Airport, while climbing, one of the engine failed. The pilot elected to make an emergency landing when the airplane struck a dirt bank and crashed in flames. Four passengers were killed while four other occupants were injured.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

On approach to Qu<U+1EA3>ng Ngãi Airport, the airplane was hit by enemy fire. The captain reduced his altitude and attempted an emergency landing. The airplane belly landed in a field and came to rest in flames. There were no casualties but the aircraft was destroyed.

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

While descending to a local airstrip, the engine failed. The airplane lost height, struck tree tops and crashed in a wooded area. The pilot was slightly injured and the airplane was damaged beyond repair.

Volpar Turboliner 18

Few minutes after his takeoff from Ðà N<U+1EB5>ng Airport, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with heavy rain falls due to monsoon storm. The twin engine airplane struck the slope of a mountain and crashed few km from the airport, killing all nine occupants, among them seven educators and a member of the USAID.

Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter)

While cruising in poor weather conditions, the single engine airplane struck the slope of a mountain located 11 km west of Chu Lai. All five occupants were killed.

Curtiss C-46 Commando

While on a VIP flight within Vietnam, the airplane was struck by enemy fire. The airplane caught fire and the crew elected to make an emergency landing. The aircraft eventually crash landed in an open field and came to rest in flames. All 34 occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Curtiss C-46 Commando

At liftoff at Kon Tum Airport, while in initial climb at a speed of 80 knots, the left engine oversped. The pilot-in-command retracted the landing gear and attempted an emergency landing in an open field located past the runway end. The aircraft belly landed, slid for several yards and struck two people before coming to rest. There were no injuries among the occupants while both people on the ground were killed.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

While descending to Vi Thanh Airfield, the twin engine aircraft was shot down by enemy fire and crash landed in an open field located 18 km north of the city. All three occupants escaped the accident but both pilots were executed by North Vietnam soldiers while the passenger was interned.

Fairchild C-123 Provider

At liftoff, the airplane stalled and landed hard. It went out of control and came to rest. Several passengers were injured while the aircraft was written off.

Fairchild C-123 Provider

On final approach to Long Tieng Airport, the pilot apparently spotted oil drums on the runway and decided to attempt a go around when control was lost. The airplane stalled and crashed short of runway. Two crew members were seriously injured while the third occupant was killed.

Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor

En route, the airplane went into an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a field located near Bao Trái. All three occupants were killed.

Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor

Shortly after takeoff from Saigon Airport, while in initial climb, the twin engine aircraft went out of control and crashed inverted in a huge explosion. All three occupants were killed. It is believed the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire.