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 aircraft the best-selling aircraft in the less than 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the companyâs employees is to help everyone, no matter where they are in the world, to connect and develop in a responsible manner. Thanks to the efficiency of turboprop technology and the benefits of the companyâs focus on continuous innovation, ATR aircraft open over 130 new routes every year on average, burn 45% less fuel and emit 45% less CO2 than regional jets. For all of these reasons, ATR aircraft have been chosen by some 200 companies in 100 countries around the world. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.