What happened
During an approach to An Khe Airport, a troop transport aircraft operating a mission from Hammond was flying at an insufficient altitude. In response to the low flight path, air traffic controllers directed the crew to execute a go-around procedure. As the captain applied increased power to the engines to climb, the aircraft type struck trees in the vicinity of Mt Hong Kong, which is situated a short distance west of the airport. The impact caused the plane to stall and subsequently crash.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying too low during the approach phase.
- The decision to perform a go-around involved an increase in engine power that coincided with the collision with vegetation.
- The accident resulted in 14 fatalities (comprising all four crew members and 10 passengers) and 18 injuries.