On April 17, 2013, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration RDPL-34180) operated by Lao Air was involved in an aviation accident near Sam Neua, Laos during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a river after striking trees during its initial climb from Sam Neua-Nathong Airport, resulting in injuries to all onboard.
What happened
During the initial climb phase following departure from Sam Neua-Nathong Airport, a twin engine aircraft struck a dense area of trees. The impact caused the plane to crash into a small river situated approximately 200 metres beyond the runway threshold.
All 18 occupants on board the aircraft sustained injuries during the accident, with five of the individuals reported to be in serious condition. The wreckage of the aircraft was determined to be a total loss due to the extent of the damage sustained during the collision and subsequent crash.
Findings
No specific cause for the loss of altitude or the collision with the trees was provided in the initial report.