6 fatalities

1970-04-10: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (56-0510) — United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) — Long Tieng, Laos

Long Tieng, LaosLanding (descent or approach)

On April 10, 1970, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 56-0510) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Long Tieng, Laos during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck terrain because the pilot continued the approach at an altitude that was too low to clear the mountain slope. 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 1781236425Data APIEditorial standards

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.