Fatal crash of ambulance flight during takeoff from Hanoi

30 fatalities • Hanoi-Gia Lâm, Vietnam • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft transporting wounded personnel crashed shortly after departing Gia Lâm Airport, resulting in no survivors among the 30 people on board.

What happened

During an emergency medical transport mission, an aircraft was flying from Hanoi-Gia Lâm to Sơn La-Nà Sản Airport. The flight was tasked with transporting 27 injured soldiers along with a crew of three members.

As the plane began its initial climb phase immediately following takeoff from Gia Lâm Airport, the aircraft experienced a sudden left bank. This maneuver led to a high-impact crash accompanied by a large explosion. There were 30 fatalities in the accident, as all passengers and crew members perished.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary reason for the loss of control was the structural failure of the left wing occurring just after the aircraft reached rotation speed.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a structural failure of its left wing during the initial climb phase following takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-04-16 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Hanoi-Gia Lâm, Vietnam?

An aircraft transporting wounded personnel crashed shortly after departing Gia Lâm Airport, resulting in no survivors among the 30 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-04-16 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 30 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-04-16 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration F-BESS, operated by Aigle Azur, at Hanoi-Gia Lâm, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a structural failure of its left wing during the initial climb phase following takeoff.

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