Aircraft runway excursion following touchdown

No fatalities • Sala Phou Khoun, Laos • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft failed to stop after landing, resulting in a runway overrun and significant damage to the airframe.

What happened

Upon making contact with the runway, the aircraft was unable to decelerate sufficiently before reaching the end of the available pavement. This lack of stopping distance led to a runway excursion, where the plane overran the landing area and eventually came to a halt.

Despite the impact and the subsequent destruction of the airframe, there were no casualties reported. All 10 occupants managed to exit the aircraft safely and sustained zero injuries. The structural damage sustained during the event was so severe that the plane was declared a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary factor involved the inadequate length of the airstrip relative to the landing conditions, which prevented the crew from stopping the vehicle within the remaining runway distance.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by attempting to land on a runway that was too short for the required stopping distance.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1974-04-28 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Sala Phou Khoun, Laos?

An aircraft failed to stop after landing, resulting in a runway overrun and significant damage to the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 1974-04-28 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1974-04-28 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration N389EX, operated by Air America, at Sala Phou Khoun, Laos.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by attempting to land on a runway that was too short for the required stopping distance.

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