Sam Neua - Vientiane

On February 14, 2002 at 12:00 PM, Sam Neua - Vientiane experienced a crash involving Harbin Yunsunji Y-12, operated by Lao Aviation, with the event recorded near Sam Neua Houaphan Province.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

15 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 15 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 2, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 13, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is weather. 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.

Aircraft reference details include registration RDPL-34118, MSN 0043, year of manufacture 1991.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 20.4125°, 104.0483°.