What happened
During an orbital control flight operating at 9,000 feet, the aircraft departed from Ubon Ratchathani Airport. While in transit, the plane was struck by multiple rounds of 37 mm flak, which caused the airframe to ignite. Following the impact, the aircraft lost stability and entered a dive, eventually crashing into an isolated, mountainous area.
Search and rescue efforts were conducted in the aftermath; however, these operations were terminated after several weeks because no wreckage or personnel could be located. The remains of the eight crew members were later recovered from Laos in November 1993, with formal identification completed in October 1995.
Findings
Investigations concluded that the destruction of the aircraft was a direct result of enemy anti-aircraft fire hitting the plane during its flight phase.