Incident Overview
Date: Monday 6 November 1972
Aircraft Type: Fairchild C-123K Provider
Owner/operator: Air America
Registration Number: 648
Location: 3 km S of Paksong –
ÿ Laos
Phase of Flight: Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 4
Component Affected: Aircraft rudder control system.Aircraft rudder control system.
A AirAmerica flight carrying a mixed load of fresh produce and ammunition was shot down during flight, resulting in a crash and destruction of the aircraft. Four crew members were injured.A AirAmerica flight carrying a mixed load of fresh produce and ammunition was shot down during flight, resulting in a crash and destruction of the aircraft. Four crew members were injured.
Description
Air America’s Provider “648” had been loaded with several pounds of cargo, a mixed load of fresh produce and ammunition, loaded onto 14 pallets destined for three different drop zones in Laos. The airplane was shot, causing rudder control to be lost. All four crew members bailed out; the aircraft crashed and was destroyed by fire.
Primary Cause
Gunshot wound to the aircraft, leading to loss of control and subsequent crash.Gunshot wound to the aircraft, leading to loss of control and subsequent crash.Share on:
