What happened
On a scheduled domestic service traveling from Hue to Da Nang, an Air Vietnam Douglas DC-3, registration XV-NID, departed Hue at 14:20 local time. The aircraft was carrying 24 passengers and 3 crew members. Shortly after takeoff, the flight proceeded over the sea, maintaining an altitude of approximately 300 meters as it began its initial course adjustments.
At 14:26, the flight crew received authorization from Hue air traffic control to switch to the Da Nang frequency. However, for the next ten minutes, the pilots encountered significant difficulties establishing radio contact with the Da Nang controller. At 14:36, communication was briefly established when the crew inquired about the current weather and the active runway at the destination airport. After receiving this information, the crew indicated they would contact controllers again once they reached the downwind leg of runway 35.
Following this exchange, Da Nang controllers attempted to request the aircraft's position and estimated arrival time, but the flight did not respond. Subsequent attempts to reach the plane were unsuccessful. The accident occurred at roughly 14:37. On November 13, investigators located the wreckage on a mountain peak situated at an elevation of 550 meters, approximately 19.6 km north-northwest of Da Nang Airport. The crash resulted in 27 fatalities.
Findings
- The accident was likely the result of a navigational error occurring during periods of poor weather conditions.