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 “the aircraft ran into extreme bad weather conditions and was reportedly crashed into the Mekong river. There were no news of survivors at this time”.

The Laos’ 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 d’Enquêtes 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.