1967-03-24: Volpar Turboliner 18 (N91284) — Air America — Đà Nẵng, Vietnam

9 fatalitiesĐà Nẵng, VietnamTakeoff (climb)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside shortly after departing Đà Nẵng Airport, resulting in nine fatalities.

What happened

Shortly after departing from Đà Nẵng Airport, a twin engine airplane encountered severe weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall brought on by a monsoon storm. During the initial stages of the flight, the aircraft impacted the slope of a mountain located a few kilometers from the departure airfield.

The accident resulted in the deaths of all nine people on board. The occupants included seven educators and one representative from USAID.

Findings

  • The flight was operating in extremely poor visibility and weather conditions caused by an active monsoon storm.
  • The aircraft struck terrain during the early phase of flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountainside while flying through heavy rain and poor weather conditions following takeoff.