On December 13, 1993, a Harbin Yunsunji Y-12 (registration RDPL-34117) operated by Lao Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Phônsavan, Laos during landing or approach. 18 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to continue the approach below the minimum safe altitude in below minima weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
All 18 occupants were killed when the aircraft struck trees and crashed 28 km from Phônsavan Airport during a foggy approach below minima.
Accident
While descending to Phônsavan Airport, the flight crew encountered foggy weather conditions that fell below the required minimums for approach. As the aircraft neared the airport, the pilot did not recognize that the altitude had become too low. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and crashed in a hilly, wooded area located 28 kilometers from the airport. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames. All 18 occupants aboard the flight were killed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). This occurred after the crew decided to continue the approach below the minimum safe altitude while operating in weather conditions that were below the designated minima.