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16 fatalities

Aircraft Collision with Mountain Terrain in Laos (XW-PDL)

Luang Prabang, LaosLanding (descent or approach)

On July 25, 1967, a Douglas DC-3 (registration XW-PDL) operated by Vehu Akat was involved in an aviation accident near Luang Prabang, Laos during landing or approach. 16 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain while flying in limited visibility due to poor weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft leased from Taiwan Aviation struck a mountain slope while approaching Luang Prabang in poor weather, killing all 16 occupants.

Incident Overview and Departure Details The aircraft departed Vientiane-Wattay Airport at 0935 local time, with Luang Prabang in the north as its intended destination. The flight was operating under a lease arrangement with Taiwan Aviation. No specific aircraft type, registration, or operator name beyond the leasing company is provided in the source material. During the approach phase to the destination, the crew encountered poor weather conditions that prevented them from locating the airport. The captain elected to follow a holding pattern while attempting to navigate the situation. The aircraft subsequently struck the slope of a mountain that was shrouded in clouds. The wreckage was located several hours after the impact. All 16 occupants on board were killed in the accident. The official investigation determined that the probable cause was controlled flight into terrain while flying in limited visibility due to poor weather conditions.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jul 1967 Douglas DC-3 accident near Luang Prabang, Laos?

An aircraft leased from Taiwan Aviation struck a mountain slope while approaching Luang Prabang in poor weather, killing all 16 occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jul 1967 Douglas DC-3 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 16 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jul 1967 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration XW-PDL, operated by Vehu Akat, at Luang Prabang, Laos.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Controlled flight into terrain while flying in limited visibility due to poor weather conditions.

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