23 fatalities

1972-02-11: Douglas C-54 Skymaster (XW-TDE) — Royal Air Lao — Laos, Laos

Laos, LaosFlight

On February 11, 1972, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration XW-TDE) operated by Royal Air Lao was involved in an aviation accident near Laos, Laos in flight. 23 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed the aircraft may have been shot down. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781234385Data APIEditorial standards

While cruising at 10,000 feet over Laos, an aircraft contacted ATC with an ETA but then vanished from radar without sending an emergency message. The wreckage was not found, and all 23 occupants are presumed dead. Investigators believe the aircraft may have been shot down.

Incident

While cruising at an altitude of 10,000 feet over Laos, the crew contacted air traffic control and provided an estimated time of arrival in Vientiane at 1422 local time. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft disappeared from radar screens without the pilots having transmitted any portion of an emergency message. The aircraft subsequently crashed in an isolated area somewhere in Laos.

Investigation

The wreckage was not located. All 23 occupants of the aircraft are presumed dead. The official probable cause states that it is believed the aircraft may have been shot down.

Aftermath

No further details have been released regarding the operator, aircraft type, or specific location of the crash. The investigation remains focused on the possibility of hostile action.