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.
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.
What happened in the 12 Feb 1969 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident near Ban Y (LS-187), Laos?
An aircraft exploded and crashed while performing a low-altitude dropping mission, resulting in the deaths of everyone on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 12 Feb 1969 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Feb 1969 involved a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter), registration XW-PCE, operated by Continental Air Services, at Ban Y (LS-187), Laos.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
An explosion occurred while the aircraft was performing a low-altitude dropping mission.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…