Incident Overview
Date: Tuesday 25 July 1972
Aircraft Type: de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 300
Owner/operator: Air America
Registration Number: N5662
Location: NE of Tha Tam Bleung –
ÿ Laos
Phase of Flight: Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 4
Component Affected: AircraftAircraft
Category: Accident
A twin Otter N5662 experienced a catastrophic crash during a resupply flight due to a steep left bank turn. The plane stalled, resulting in a wing tip impact and the loss of both pilots and a kicker.A twin Otter N5662 experienced a catastrophic crash during a resupply flight due to a steep left bank turn. The plane stalled, resulting in a wing tip impact and the loss of both pilots and a kicker.
Description
Twin Otter N5662 was on a resupply flight for troops, carrying a cargo of 2,780 pounds of palletized rations. It was attempting to fly under a low ceiling when it aborted a pass toward the drop zone. During this steep left bank turn, the plane stalled. The left wing tip dug into the ground and the aircraft crashed. Both pilots and one of the two kickers were killed.
Primary Cause
Steep left bank turn and subsequent stall during flight.Steep left bank turn and subsequent stall during flight.Share on:
