Fatal aircraft accident near Quảng Ngãi Airport

27 fatalities • Quảng Ngãi, Vietnam • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight approaching Quảng Ngãi Airport crashed into a mountainside during night operations, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a nighttime approach to Quảng Ngãi Airport, an aircraft impacted the side of a mountain approximately 20 km northwest of the airfield. The incident occurred amidst challenging weather conditions that limited visibility. During the descent, the crew did not maintain sufficient altitude, leading the plane to strike a mountain slope. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and caused 27 fatalities among all occupants on board.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the flight was being conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) while the aircraft was actually operating within Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). This discrepancy between the required flight rules and the actual environmental visibility was a critical factor in the loss of altitude control during the approach.

Probable cause

The crew attempted to operate under visual flight rules despite being in instrument meteorological conditions, leading to insufficient altitude during the approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1973-11-17 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Quảng Ngãi, Vietnam?

A flight approaching Quảng Ngãi Airport crashed into a mountainside during night operations, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1973-11-17 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 1973-11-17 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 attempted to operate under visual flight rules despite being in instrument meteorological conditions, leading to insufficient altitude during the approach.

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