No fatalities

1972-11-06: Fairchild C-123 Provider (648) — Air America — Paksong, Laos

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: The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by enemy ground fire during a low-altitude supply mission. 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 1781233456Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo aircraft carrying supplies was struck by ground fire and destroyed during a low-altitude flight near Pakse, resulting in the successful bailout of all crew members.

What happened

During a logistics operation departing from Pakse, an aircraft engaged in a supply mission was intercepted by hostile fire. The plane was transporting 14 pallets containing ammunition and food supplies at the time of the incident. While operating at a low altitude, the aircraft sustained hits from enemy weapons.

Following the impact, the four crew members initiated an emergency abandonment of the aircraft. All personnel successfully parachuted from the plane before it impacted the ground. The subsequent crash resulted in a massive explosion that led to the total destruction of the airframe. Despite the severity of the impact and fire, there were zero fatalities among the crew.

Findings

Investigations into the incident concluded that the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire while performing its low-level flight profile.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by enemy ground fire during a low-altitude supply mission.