What happened
During a supply mission traveling from Chittagong to Imphal, the crew initiated their final approach to Imphal Airport. While descending for landing, the aircraft came under attack from an enemy interceptor. A pilot flying a Japanese Mitsubishi Zero engaged the transport and successfully shot it down. The impact of the fire rendered the C-46 uncontrollable, causing it to dive steeply toward the terrain below. The aircraft ultimately crashed into a field near the airfield. All four occupants aboard the plane perished in the incident.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the loss of the aircraft was directly caused by hostile action. The primary factor leading to the crash was the interception and destruction of the transport by a Japanese fighter during its approach phase.