3 fatalities

1969-02-12: Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (XW-PCE) — Continental Air Services — Ban Y (LS-187), Laos

Ban Y (LS-187), LaosFlight

On February 12, 1969, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (registration XW-PCE) operated by Continental Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near Ban Y (LS-187), Laos in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An explosion occurred while the aircraft was performing a low-altitude dropping mission. 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 1781237884Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft exploded and crashed while performing a low-altitude dropping mission, resulting in the deaths of everyone on board.

What happened

During the execution of a specialized dropping mission conducted at a low altitude, an aircraft experienced a sudden mid-air explosion. The resulting loss of structural integrity led to a crash at the mission site. There were three fatalities recorded as a result of the accident, with no survivors among the occupants.

Findings

The investigation into the event indicates that the destruction of the aircraft occurred while it was operating at low height during its operational task. The primary factor in the loss of the aircraft was an explosion occurring during the mission phase.

Probable cause

An explosion occurred while the aircraft was performing a low-altitude dropping mission.