FlightFinder
Check my flight
5 fatalities

Cargo aircraft crash near Myitkyina due to in-flight fire (42-60942)

Myitkyina, MyanmarFlight

On December 9, 1944, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration 42-60942) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Myitkyina, Myanmar in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An uncontrolled in-flight fire that led to the loss of the aircraft. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-25Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo plane crashed south of Myitkyina after suffering an in-flight fire, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board.

What happened

The incident involved a cargo aircraft operating out of the region near Myitkyina. During the flight, the crew encountered a serious emergency caused by a fire breaking out inside the aircraft. The situation deteriorated rapidly, leading to a loss of control or forced landing. The plane ultimately crashed in an area located south of Myitkyina. There were no survivors; all five occupants perished in the accident.

Findings

The primary factor contributing to the crash was the in-flight fire. This event rendered the aircraft uncontrollable and led directly to the fatal impact with the ground.

Probable cause

An uncontrolled in-flight fire that led to the loss of the aircraft.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Dec 1944 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Myitkyina, Myanmar?

A cargo plane crashed south of Myitkyina after suffering an in-flight fire, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Dec 1944 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Dec 1944 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration 42-60942, operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947), at Myitkyina, Myanmar.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An uncontrolled in-flight fire that led to the loss of the aircraft.

More accident analyses