2014 Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force An-74 crash
| Company type | Military |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Headquarters | Laos |
Template:Infobox aircraft occurrence
On 17 May 2014, an Antonov An-74 transport plane operated by the Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force crashed while flying to Xiangkhouang Province in northern Laos. Of the 17 individuals on board, only one survived. The crash claimed the lives of several Laotian officials who were en route to participate in a ceremony marking the 55th anniversary of the second division of the Lao People's Army.
Accident
On the morning of 17 May 2014, between approximately 06:15 and 07:00 local time (IC UTC+07:00), the aircraft crashed near its destination at Xieng Khouang Airport in Xiangkhouang Province. The crash site was located in Nadee, around 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) or 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) from the airport. The flight had originated from Vientiane-Wattay Airport, about 500 kilometres (310 mi) away. During its final approach, the plane descended too low, causing its landing gear to strike trees just before reaching the runway. This collision led to the crash, which was attributed to a technical malfunction.
Aircraft
The aircraft involved was a twinjet Antonov An-74TK-300, manufactured in Ukraine and registered under RDPL-34020. This plane was delivered to Vientiane-Wattay Airport on 26 October 2009.
Passengers
Early accounts indicated there were 14 individuals aboard, but subsequent information revised this number to 20 passengers present during the crash, with only three initially surviving. As details became clearer, the passenger count was adjusted to 17, and the fatality number was confirmed at 16 after two of the original survivors succumbed to their injuries, leaving a single survivor.
Among those who lost their lives were:
- Douangchay Phichit, member of the Politburo of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of National Defense
- Thongbanh Sengaphone, Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Minister of Public Security
- Cheuang Sombounkhanh, Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Head of the Propaganda and Training Commission
- Soukanh Mahalath, Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Party Secretary, and Governor of Vientiane Province
A Thai news report mentioned that survivors included the co-pilot, a nurse, and one other person. The Thai Defence Ministry's permanent secretary stated that the Defence Minister of Laos and four additional individuals perished in the accident. A witness also confirmed the Defence Minister's death and cited a total of 14 fatalities.
Reactions
The fatalities of what were considered to be the two most influential figures within the security sector dealt a major setback to the ruling Lao People's Revolutionary Party. Following the accident, authorities declared a national mourning period lasting three days.
References
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