Fatal Mountain Strike During Military Cargo Flight (555)

Incident Overview and Route Details The aircraft was operating a military cargo mission from Vang Vieng to Long Tieng when it struck a mountain. The flight was transporting 6.7 tons of various military materials on behalf of the US Air Force. The accident occurred while the aircraft was cruising in marginal weather conditions. ## Accident Circumstances and Findings During the flight, the crew failed to recognize that the aircraft's altitude was insufficient for the terrain ahead. The airplane subsequently struck a mountain at an altitude of 4,850 feet. The wreckage was located 20 feet below the summit of the mountain. All nine occupants aboard the aircraft were killed in the accident. ## Official Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain.