Aircraft damage following tree strike after departure

No fatalities • Sakon Nakhon, Thailand • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft sustained significant damage after colliding with trees shortly after takeoff, though all occupants escaped without injury.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following departure, the aircraft collided with a line of trees located just beyond the runway threshold. Following the impact, the pilot elected to perform an emergency return to the airfield to execute a controlled landing.

Despite the collision with vegetation, the crew managed to land the plane safely. There were no injuries reported among the occupants of the aircraft during the incident.

Findings

The aircraft sustained structural damage during the encounter with the trees. Due to the extent of the impact, the airframe was declared a total loss and deemed beyond economical repair.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees located immediately after the runway end during the takeoff phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1976-09-23 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Sakon Nakhon, Thailand?

An aircraft sustained significant damage after colliding with trees shortly after takeoff, though all occupants escaped without injury.

Were there any fatalities in the 1976-09-23 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1976-09-23 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration L2-40/15, operated by Royal Thai Air Force - Kong Thap Akat Thai, at Sakon Nakhon, Thailand.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck trees located immediately after the runway end during the takeoff phase.

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