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6 fatalities

Fatal ground collision following aircraft excursion at Svay Rieng Airport (XW-TFL)

Svay Rieng, CambodiaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 20, 1974, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration XW-TFL) operated by Air Union Laos was involved in an aviation accident near Svay Rieng, Cambodia during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost directional control during landing, leading to a runway excursion and collision with ground structures. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft lost control after landing at Svay Rieng Airport, veering off the runway and striking residential structures, resulting in six fatalities on the ground.

What happened

Following its arrival at Svay Rieng Airport, an aircraft experienced a loss of control during the landing phase. The plane began to skid along the runway surface before deviating from the paved area. After exiting the runway, the aircraft collided with multiple wooden houses located near the airfield.

While the six occupants on board the aircraft managed to evacuate without sustaining any injuries, the impact with the residential buildings resulted in a tragedy for those on the ground. The collision caused the deaths of six people residing in the impacted structures.

Findings

  • The aircraft became uncontrollable immediately after touchdown.
  • The sequence of events involved a runway excursion and subsequent impact with nearby dwellings.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost directional control during landing, leading to a runway excursion and collision with ground structures.

Related events

Same operator

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