Sam Neua – Vientiane

On April 17, 2013 at 02:35 PM, Sam Neua – Vientiane experienced a crash involving De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, operated by Lao Air, 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.

18 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 18 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: 16, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

Shortly after takeoff from Sam Neua-Nathong Airport, while in initial climb, the twin engine aircraft collided with trees, lots height and crashed in a small river located 200 metres past the runway end. All 18 occupants were injured, five seriously. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Aircraft reference details include registration RDPL-34180, MSN 231, year of manufacture 1969.

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