Were there any fatalities in the 1972-08-27 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-08-27 involved a Fairchild C-123 Provider, registration 555, operated by Air America, at Vang Vieng, Laos.

1972-08-27: Fairchild C-123 Provider (555) — Air America — Vang Vieng, Laos

9 fatalitiesVang Vieng, LaosFlight

A transport aircraft carrying military supplies crashed into a mountain during a flight from Vang Vieng to Long Tieng, resulting in nine fatalities.

What happened

During a mission transporting 6.7 tons of various military equipment for the US Air Force, an aircraft traveling from Vang Vieng toward Long Tieng crashed into mountainous terrain. The flight was being conducted under marginal weather conditions at the time of the accident.

While navigating the route, the aircraft impacted a mountain peak at an elevation of 4,850 feet. Search efforts located the wreckage approximately 20 feet below the summit of the mountain. There were nine fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft, with no survivors reported.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the crew did not maintain a sufficient altitude to clear the terrain during the flight. The primary factor in the crash was controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The crew failed to maintain adequate altitude to avoid mountain terrain while flying in marginal weather.

What happened

Findings

Probable cause

Related events

Same operator