No fatalities

1968-05-23: Fairchild C-123 Provider (655) — Air America — Na Khang, Laos

Na Khang, LaosLanding (descent or approach)

On May 23, 1968, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration 655) operated by Air America was involved in an aviation accident near Na Khang, Laos during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to maintain a safe altitude during the final approach, leading to an impact with an earth bank. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781238745Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained heavy damage after striking an earth bank during its final approach to Na Khang Airport, resulting in no injuries to the crew.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight into Na Khang Airport, the aircraft struck an obstacle located approximately 10 meters before the runway threshold. The impact involved a 50 cm high earth bank situated just ahead of the landing area.

Upon hitting the embankment, the force of the collision caused the undercarriage to be ripped from the airframe. This led to a subsequent belly landing on the runway surface. While the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss, there were no injuries reported among the four crew members on board.

Findings

Investigation into the incident indicates that the primary factor was an error in altitude management. The crew failed to maintain sufficient height above the terrain, which resulted in the plane making contact with the elevated ground feature short of the runway.

Probable cause

The crew failed to maintain a safe altitude during the final approach, leading to an impact with an earth bank.