Were there any fatalities in the 1954-04-13 Lockheed 18 LodeStar accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 16 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1954-04-13 involved a Lockheed 18 LodeStar, registration F-OALK, operated by Société Indochinoise de Liaisons Aériennes - SILA, at Phônsavan, Laos.

1954-04-13: Lockheed 18 LodeStar (F-OALK) — Société Indochinoise de Liaisons Aériennes - SILA — Phônsavan, Laos

16 fatalitiesPhônsavan, LaosTakeoff (climb)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in 16 fatalities and seven serious injuries.

What happened

During the early stages of flight, a twin engine aircraft experienced a loss of lift while ascending. The accident occurred during the climb phase, immediately following departure from the airfield.

As the aircraft attempted to gain altitude, it entered an aerodynamic stall. This led to a subsequent impact with the ground, which triggered a large-scale explosion at the crash site. The force of the impact and the resulting fire caused significant casualties among those on board.

Findings

The accident resulted in 16 fatalities.
There were seven passengers who sustained serious injuries during the event.
The primary sequence leading to the crash was an aerodynamic stall during the climb.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a stall during the climb phase shortly after takeoff.