Fatal aircraft impact on Mount Phou Bai

6 fatalities • Long Tieng, Laos • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into the slope of Mount Phou Bai during its approach, resulting in the deaths of all six people on board.

What happened

During the final approach phase of the flight, the aircraft descended to an inadequate altitude. While navigating the terrain, the plane made contact with the side of Mt Phou Bai at an elevation of 7,500 feet. The impact occurred while the crew was attempting to complete their landing sequence.

There were no survivors of the accident. The crash resulted in six fatalities, accounting for the entire crew on board.

Findings

Investigations into the crash indicate that the pilot maintained the approach at a height that was too low for the surrounding topography. The primary factor in the accident was the insufficient altitude maintained during the descent toward the landing site.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain because the pilot continued the approach at an altitude that was too low to clear the mountain slope.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1970-04-10 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Long Tieng, Laos?

An aircraft crashed into the slope of Mount Phou Bai during its approach, resulting in the deaths of all six people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1970-04-10 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1970-04-10 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 56-0510, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Long Tieng, Laos.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck terrain because the pilot continued the approach at an altitude that was too low to clear the mountain slope.

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