3 fatalities

1973-02-09: Fairchild C-123 Provider (374) — Air America — Thakhet, Laos

Thakhet, LaosFlight

On February 9, 1973, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration 374) operated by Air America was involved in an aviation accident near Thakhet, Laos in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by hostile ground or aerial fire. 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 1781233075Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight traveling between Vientiane and Savannakhét crashed after being struck by enemy fire, resulting in the deaths of two crew members.

What happened

A cargo transport mission operating from Vientiane to Savannakhét was intercepted by hostile fire while in transit. The aircraft was carrying a payload of approximately 5.4 tons of various goods at the time of the incident. During the flight, the plane sustained hits from enemy weaponry, causing it to lose stability and become uncontrollable.

As the aircraft began its descent out of control, two crew members attempted to evacuate the plane via parachute. One member of the crew successfully deployed a parachute and survived the incident. However, the second crew member exited the aircraft without a parachute and perished. The pilot also lost their life during the crash sequence. In total, there were two fatalities among the crew.

Findings

The investigation concluded that the primary reason for the loss of the aircraft was that it was shot down by enemy fire.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by hostile ground or aerial fire.