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Aviation Incident in Laos: Aircraft Missing with Five Occupants (XW-PBW)

Laos, LaosFlight

On October 15, 1974, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration XW-PBW) operated by Royal Air Lao was involved in an aviation accident near Laos, Laos in flight. 5 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft departed Vientiane-Wattay Airport carrying five people and foodstuffs for a drop in Laos. It disappeared about 120 km northwest of Vientiane under unknown circumstances, and all occupants are believed dead.

Departure and Mission Details An aircraft departed from Vientiane-Wattay Airport with a crew of two pilots and three cargo kickers aboard. The flight was carrying various foodstuffs intended for delivery over an unknown drop zone somewhere in Laos. ## Disappearance and Aftermath The accident occurred in unknown circumstances approximately 120 km northwest of Vientiane. The wreckage was not found, and all five occupants are believed to be dead. No further details regarding the specific aircraft type, registration, or exact cause of the incident are provided in the source material. ## Investigation Status The investigation into this incident remains inconclusive due to the lack of wreckage recovery and the unknown circumstances surrounding the disappearance. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or definitive cause of the accident.

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