What happened
While operating near Cần Thơ Airport, a collision occurred between two aircraft during simultaneous arrival and departure maneuvers. The pilot of a Porter aircraft was communicating via VHF frequency and had requested clearance to land while approaching the airport from the northern direction.
Concurrently, a Bell AH-1G Cobra helicopter, bearing registration 67-15676, was granted clearance to depart the airfield. As the crew of two on the helicopter began its ascent, the aircraft struck the incoming Porter plane. The impact caused both aircraft to crash at the scene.
Findings
- The collision involved a total of eight fatalities.
- The accident occurred as the helicopter was in its climbing phase and the fixed-wing aircraft was on final approach.
- The primary factor in the accident was the mid-air contact between the ascending helicopter and the descending airplane.