Lao Aviation

Harbin Yunsunji Y-12

Just after liftoff, while climbing to a height of about two metres, the twin engine aircraft encountered downdraft. It struck the runway surface, went out of control and veered off runway. It then collided with a fence and came to rest on a road located 17 metres below. All 15 occupants evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. At the time of the accident, the wind was blowing at 8 knots but apparently changed rapidly and became stronger shortly after rotation.

Harbin Yunsunji Y-12

While descending to Sam Neua Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with limited visibility. Approaching in clouds, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located 12 km from the airport. Eight passengers were killed while nine other occupants were injured.

Yakovlev Yak-40

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 Ðào Tr<U+1ECD>ng L<U+1ECB>ch. 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.

Harbin Yunsunji Y-12

While descending to Phônsavan Airport, the crew encountered below minima weather conditions due to fog. On approach, the pilot failed to realize his altitude was too low when the aircraft struck trees and crashed in a hilly and wooded terrain located 28 km from the airport, bursting into flames. All 18 occupants were killed.

Antonov AN-24

During the takeoff roll at Luang Namtha Airport, after V1 speed, the crew started the rotation when the flight engineer decided to abort the takeoff procedure without any coordination with both pilots. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the aircraft overran and collided with a building. All 35 occupants were rescued while one person on the ground was killed.

Antonov AN-26

The airplane was completing a flight from Hanoi to Vientiane, carrying 62 girl students and six accompanents coming back from Soviet Union. On approach to Vientiane-Wattay Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions and low visibility due to thunderstorm activity. The captain completed several circuits in the area but was unable to locate the airport. As the airplane was short of fuel, the crew decided to attempt a belly landing in an open field located in Ban Mai, about 10 km west of Wattay Airport. All 74 occupants were evacuated while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.