On November 17, 1973, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration XV-NIE) operated by Air Vietnam was involved in an aviation accident near Quảng Ngãi, Vietnam during landing or approach. 27 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the crew was approaching Quảng Ngãi under VFR mode in IMC conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a nighttime approach to Quảng Ngãi Airport in marginal weather, the crew misjudged altitude, resulting in a collision with a mountainside 20 km northwest of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed and all 27 occupants died. The official investigation attributed the accident to the crew flying under VFR in IMC conditions.
Accident Overview
An aircraft was on approach to Quảng Ngãi Airport during night and in marginal weather conditions. The crew failed to recognize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient, and the airplane struck the slope of a mountain approximately 20 kilometers northwest of the airport. The subsequent crash destroyed the aircraft completely.
Casualties
All 27 occupants onboard the aircraft were killed in the accident.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause: the crew was approaching Quảng Ngãi under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) mode while operating in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). No other contributing factors or conclusions were provided in the source.
What happened in the 17 Nov 1973 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Quảng Ngãi, Vietnam?
During a nighttime approach to Quảng Ngãi Airport in marginal weather, the crew misjudged altitude, resulting in a collision with a mountainside 20 km northwest of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed and all 27 occupants died. The official investigation attributed the accident to the crew flying under VFR in IMC…
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Nov 1973 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 27 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Nov 1973 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration XV-NIE, operated by Air Vietnam, at Quảng Ngãi, Vietnam.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the crew was approaching Quảng Ngãi under VFR mode in IMC conditions
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