No fatalities

Charter Flight on Behalf of China Airlines Skids and Strikes Embankment After Landing (EM-3)

Đà Lạt, VietnamLanding (descent or approach)

On December 29, 1973, a Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3) (registration EM-3) operated by Air America was involved in an aviation accident near Đà Lạt, Vietnam during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A charter flight operated on behalf of China Airlines experienced deceleration issues after touchdown, leading to a sharp turn, skid, and collision with an embankment. All nine occupants escaped uninjured; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview

A charter flight operating on behalf of China Airlines encountered difficulties during the landing roll. After the aircraft touched down, the pilot-in-command experienced problems with proper deceleration. As the end of the runway drew near, the pilot executed a sharp left turn. The aircraft then skidded and struck an embankment before coming to rest.

Occupants and Damage

All nine occupants on board evacuated the aircraft without injury. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond economical repair.

Sequence of Events

The flight was completing a charter service. Following touchdown, the pilot-in-command found it challenging to decelerate normally. With the runway end approaching, the decision was made to initiate a sharp left turn. This maneuver resulted in the aircraft skidding and subsequently impacting an embankment, where it finally stopped.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Dec 1973 Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3) accident near Đà Lạt, Vietnam?

A charter flight operated on behalf of China Airlines experienced deceleration issues after touchdown, leading to a sharp turn, skid, and collision with an embankment. All nine occupants escaped uninjured; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Dec 1973 Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Dec 1973 involved a Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3), registration EM-3, operated by Air America, at Đà Lạt, Vietnam.