Accident
On April 11, 2009, at approximately 1035 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Cessna 208B aircraft, Laos registration RDPL-34144, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Vientiane, Laos. The aircraft was owned by Helicopters of New Zealand and operated by Lao Air. The two pilots and 11 passengers were not injured.
According to investigators from the Government of Laos, during the takeoff initial climb the flight crew heard a loud bang and a hissing noise emanating from the engine, followed by a loss of engine power. The pilot in command observed that the engine had shut itself down and the propeller was in the feathered position immediately after the power loss. The pilot altered the aircraft's course back toward the airport and attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful.
Unable to return to the airport, the pilot prepared for an off-field landing. During the landing, the airplane bounced twice before coming to rest. The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the forced landing.
Investigation
The investigation into the accident is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Laos. The information released by the Laotian authorities is limited to the details provided in this report. No determination of probable cause has been released by the investigating authority.