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Runway excursion at Muang Hein (XW-PBO)

Saigon, VietnamLanding (descent or approach)

On September 20, 1964, a Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer (registration XW-PBO) operated by Bird & Sons was involved in an aviation accident near Saigon, Vietnam during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft skidded off the runway due to reduced friction on the wet landing surface. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion after landing on a wet surface near Saigon, resulting in the total loss of the airframe.

What happened

During an arrival at Muang Hein, located in the outskirts of Saigon, an aircraft encountered difficulties immediately following touchdown. The runway surface was notably wet at the time of the incident. As the plane completed its landing, it began to skid and subsequently drifted off the side of the active runway.

The movement continued until the vehicle reached a complete stop away from the paved surface. While the event resulted in no injuries to those on board, the impact or the nature of the excursion led to the aircraft being declared a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor contributing to the loss of directional control was the wet condition of the runway during the landing phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft skidded off the runway due to reduced friction on the wet landing surface.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Sept 1964 Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer accident near Saigon, Vietnam?

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion after landing on a wet surface near Saigon, resulting in the total loss of the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Sept 1964 Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Sept 1964 involved a Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer, registration XW-PBO, operated by Bird & Sons, at Saigon, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft skidded off the runway due to reduced friction on the wet landing surface.

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