Accident
On a flight from Vientiane to Xieng Khouang, an aircraft chartered by the Lao Air Force was carrying a delegation from the Vietnam Air Force who had participated in a military conference in Vientiane. Among the high-ranking officers on board was General Đào Trọng Lịch. While cruising at an altitude of 6,000 feet in reduced visibility due to heavy rainfall, the aircraft struck tree tops and crashed on the slope of a mountain near Long Tieng. The wreckage was located in a wooded area at an altitude of 1,800 metres. All 26 occupants were killed.
Aircraft and Occupants
The aircraft was chartered by the Lao Air Force. The passenger list included high-ranking officers from the Vietnam Army Forces. No further details about the aircraft type or registration were provided in the official findings.
Investigation
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be controlled flight into terrain after the crew initiated the descent to Xieng Khouang prematurely. Poor visibility due to heavy rainfall was listed as a contributing factor.