Aircraft crash near Pleiku Airport

4 fatalities • Pleiku, Vietnam • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a forested area on Mt Dragon during its approach to Pleiku, resulting in the deaths of all four people on board.

What happened

During an approach to Pleiku Airport from a southern direction, an aircraft encountered adverse weather characterized by rain showers and low cloud cover. During this descent, the pilot did not maintain sufficient altitude, leading the plane to collide with trees in a heavily forested region of Mt Dragon, situated approximately 13 km south of the airfield. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire. Following the accident, search and rescue efforts were initiated, though the wreckage was not located until September 7.

Findings

  • The crew encountered poor visibility due to low clouds and precipitation.
  • The pilot failed to maintain the required altitude during the approach phase.
  • There were four fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to recognize that the aircraft was at an insufficient altitude during a low-visibility approach led to a collision with terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1967-08-17 De Havilland DHC-3 Otter accident near Pleiku, Vietnam?

An aircraft crashed into a forested area on Mt Dragon during its approach to Pleiku, resulting in the deaths of all four people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1967-08-17 De Havilland DHC-3 Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1967-08-17 involved a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter, registration 58-1702, operated by United States Army, at Pleiku, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to recognize that the aircraft was at an insufficient altitude during a low-visibility approach led to a collision with terrain.

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