Cargo aircraft shot down over mountainous terrain

2 fatalities • Bouam Long, Laos • Flight

A cargo flight ended in a fatal crash after the aircraft was struck by gunfire while flying at low altitude.

What happened

During a cargo transport mission, an unidentified aircraft was operating at a low altitude when it was targeted by gunfire. The impact of the shots caused the plane to catch fire and subsequently crash within a mountainous region.

There were no survivors of the incident. The two fatalities included both members of the flight crew. The wreckage was located in the rugged terrain following the mid-flight destruction of the plane.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary reason for the destruction of the aircraft was that it was shot down while in its cruise phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by gunfire during flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-06-02 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Bouam Long, Laos?

A cargo flight ended in a fatal crash after the aircraft was struck by gunfire while flying at low altitude.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-06-02 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-06-02 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration XW-PFL, operated by Air America, at Bouam Long, Laos.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed by gunfire during flight.

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