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Supply Aircraft Shot Down Near Pakse (648)

Paksong, LaosFlight

On November 6, 1972, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration 648) operated by Air America was involved in an aviation accident near Paksong, Laos in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by enemy 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A supply aircraft carrying food and ammunition on 14 pallets was hit by enemy fire while flying at low altitude. All four crew members bailed out safely, and the aircraft crashed and was destroyed.

Incident Overview and Mission Details The aircraft departed Pakse on a supply mission. The cargo consisted of food and ammunition, which were loaded onto 14 pallets. ## Flight and Emergency Egress While flying at low altitude, the aircraft was struck by enemy fire. In response, all four crew members decided to bail out and abandoned the aircraft. ## Crash and Outcome Following the crew's egress, the aircraft crashed in a large explosion and was destroyed. All four crew members were reported to be unhurt. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was that the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Nov 1972 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident near Paksong, Laos?

A supply aircraft carrying food and ammunition on 14 pallets was hit by enemy fire while flying at low altitude. All four crew members bailed out safely, and the aircraft crashed and was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Nov 1972 Fairchild C-123 Provider accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Nov 1972 involved a Fairchild C-123 Provider, registration 648, operated by Air America, at Paksong, Laos.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Shot down by enemy fire.

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