No fatalities

Runway excursion at Long Tieng Airstrip during heavy rain (XW-TDC)

Long Tieng, LaosLanding (descent or approach)

On July 23, 1970, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration XW-TDC) operated by Xieng Khouang Air Transport was involved in an aviation accident near Long Tieng, Laos during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Heavy rainfall during the landing phase contributed to the pilot losing control of the aircraft after touchdown. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a loss of control after touchdown at Long Tieng Airstrip, resulting in a runway excursion and landing gear failure.

What happened

During an approach and landing sequence at Long Tieng Airstrip, the aircraft encountered significant weather challenges due to heavy rainfall. Following the touchdown on the runway, the pilot lost control of the aircraft type (unspecified model). The plane subsequently veered off the designated runway surface.

As a result of the excursion, the aircraft's undercarriage was lost. The movement ended when the plane came to a final rest away from the runway. Despite the impact and the loss of landing gear, there were no fatalities or injuries reported among those on board.

Findings

  • The incident occurred during a period of heavy rain falls.
  • The sequence of events involved a loss of directional control immediately following touchdown.

Probable cause

Heavy rainfall during the landing phase contributed to the pilot losing control of the aircraft after touchdown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jul 1970 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Long Tieng, Laos?

An aircraft experienced a loss of control after touchdown at Long Tieng Airstrip, resulting in a runway excursion and landing gear failure.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jul 1970 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jul 1970 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration XW-TDC, operated by Xieng Khouang Air Transport, at Long Tieng, Laos.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Heavy rainfall during the landing phase contributed to the pilot losing control of the aircraft after touchdown.