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Supply Drop Mission Loss in Xieng Khouang Region (B-916)

Xieng Khouang, LaosFlight

On February 4, 1962, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration B-916) operated by Air America was involved in an aviation accident near Xieng Khouang, Laos in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shut down by enemy fire. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft conducting a supply drop mission in the Xieng Khouang region was shut down by a North Vietnam Air Force fighter, resulting in the deaths of all six occupants.

Incident Overview and Casualties An aircraft was conducting a supply drop mission in the region of Xieng Khouang when it was shut down by the pilot of a North Vietnam Air Force fighter. The aircraft subsequently crashed, and all six occupants were killed. The fatalities included three crew members and three dispatchers. The crew members identified in the source are Herbert S. Strouss, pilot; Howard F. Heinrich, copilot; and Hsu-Chiu Lee, copilot. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or exact location beyond the Xieng Khouang region. ## Official Findings The official probable cause of the accident was determined to be that the aircraft was shut down by enemy fire.

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