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Aircraft Struck Earth Bank During Final Approach at Na Khang Airport (655)

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 realize the aircraft's altitude was too low during final approach, leading to a collision with a 50 cm high earth bank located 10 meters short of the runway threshold. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

During final approach to Na Khang Airport, an aircraft struck a 50 cm earth bank 10 meters short of the runway threshold, causing the undercarriage to tear off and resulting in a belly landing. All four crew members were uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview: An aircraft made a final approach to Na Khang Airport but struck a 50 cm high earth bank located 10 meters short of the runway threshold. The crew failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was too low before impact. The collision resulted in the undercarriage being torn off, and the aircraft subsequently belly-landed. All four crew members were uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining proper altitude awareness during final approach, particularly in areas with potential obstacles near the runway threshold.

Probable cause

The crew failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was too low during final approach, leading to a collision with a 50 cm high earth bank located 10 meters short of the runway threshold.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 May 1968 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident near Na Khang, Laos?

During final approach to Na Khang Airport, an aircraft struck a 50 cm earth bank 10 meters short of the runway threshold, causing the undercarriage to tear off and resulting in a belly landing. All four crew members were uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 May 1968 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 May 1968 involved a Fairchild C-123 Provider, registration 655, operated by Air America, at Na Khang, Laos.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was too low during final approach, leading to a collision with a 50 cm high earth bank located 10 meters short of the runway threshold.

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