ATR statement on Lao Airlines flight QV301
ATR regrets to confirm that an ATR 72-600 operated by Lao Airlines was involved in an accident today at around 4.00 pm (local time) near Pakse (Laos). The flight QV301 was operating between Vientiane and Pakse with 44 passengers and 5 crew members on board.
The aircraft, registered under RDPL-34233, was MSN (Manufacturing Serial Number) 1071, delivered from the production line in March 2013.
At this time, the circumstances of the accident are still to be determined. Official sources of Lao Airlines declared that âthe aircraft ran into extreme bad weather conditions and was reportedly crashed into the Mekong river. There were no news of survivors at this timeâ.
The Laosâ Authorities will lead the investigation and will remain the official source of information. In line with the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Annex 13 convention, ATR will provide full assistance the French Bureau dâEnquĂȘtes et Analyses (BEA), safety investigation authority representing the country of the aircraft manufacturer.
The ATR 72-600 is a 68-to-74-seat twin turboprop engine aircraft.
All further communications concerning the possible cause of the accident are the responsibility of the investigating authorities.
The concerns and sympathy of ATR go to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the accident.
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About ATR
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72, the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company is to accelerate sustainable connections for people, communities and businesses, no matter how remote. Flown by some 200 airlines in over 100 countries, ATR aircraft opened 160 new routes in 2023, facilitating the development of territories and enabling access to crucial services like healthcare and education. Thanks to ATRâs focus on continuous innovation and the intrinsic efficiency of the turboprop technology, ATR aircraft are the most advanced, versatile, cost-effective and lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets. In January 2022, we flew the first ever commercial aircraft using 100% SAF in both engines. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.