No fatalities

Charter Flight Shot Down by Ground Fire (XW-PFR)

Sam Neua, LaosFlight

On May 7, 1973, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (registration XW-PFR) operated by Continental Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near Sam Neua, Laos in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by ground fire. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine charter aircraft was hit by ground fire while flying at low altitude. The pilot attempted an emergency landing, but the plane struck trees and crashed in a wooded area, destroying the aircraft.

Incident Overview During a low-altitude charter flight, a single-engine aircraft came under ground fire. The pilot decided to make an emergency landing in response to the attack. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and crashed in a wooded area, resulting in the destruction of the plane. The source notes that all seven occupants were captured. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was that the aircraft was shot down by ground fire. No specific aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or location was provided in the source material.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 May 1973 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident near Sam Neua, Laos?

A single-engine charter aircraft was hit by ground fire while flying at low altitude. The pilot attempted an emergency landing, but the plane struck trees and crashed in a wooded area, destroying the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 May 1973 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 May 1973 involved a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter), registration XW-PFR, operated by Continental Air Services, at Sam Neua, Laos.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Shot down by ground fire.