1 aircraft accident in Laos since 2000

The ATR-72-600 operated by Lao Airlines took off from Vientiane, Laos for a passenger flight to Pakse, Laos. 44 passengers and 5 crew were onboard. The plane crashed in poor weather conditions seconds after it had gone around at Pakse airport. All 49 occupants of the aircraft are confirmed perished in the accident. The flight was delayed due to Tropical storm Nari battering the southern and central provinces. It finally took off to its destination. The ATR 72 was on approach to Pakse's runway 15 in poor weather conditions. The plane went around and attempted a right turn to join downwind for another approach. During the maneuver, the aircraft crashed in the Mekong River. A ground witness described the aircraft nose suddenly rose, then the aircraft came down. Then the fuselage broke and sank in the river.