1 fatality

Cargo Aircraft Crash in Assam Following In-Flight Engine Failure (41-24667)

Yunnan, ChinaFlight

On October 20, 1943, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration 41-24667) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Yunnan, China in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The official investigation attributed the accident to an engine failure that occurred during flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo aircraft crashed into the ground in Assam, India, after an engine failure forced the crew to abandon ship during a flight from Kunming. One occupant was killed while three others escaped uninjured.

What happened

The incident involved a cargo flight operating between Kunming and an airfield located in Assam State, India. While en route, the aircraft experienced a critical mechanical issue when one of its engines failed. The loss of power rendered the machine uncontrollable, prompting the crew to initiate an emergency evacuation procedure. All occupants bailed out of the aircraft as it descended toward the terrain. Following the abandonment by the crew, the unmanned airframe continued its uncontrolled dive and impacted the ground, resulting in the total destruction of the vehicle.

The outcome of the crash was severe for one individual but survivable for the rest of the party. Three members of the crew escaped the incident without sustaining injuries. However, the fourth occupant, identified as Pfc Frank J. Shebeskie, did not survive the event and was killed in the accident.

Probable cause

The official investigation attributed the accident to an engine failure that occurred during flight.