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2 fatalities

Supply Aircraft Shot Down by Enemy Fire (B-150)

Ban Phonemuang, LaosFlight

On September 5, 1963, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration B-150) operated by Air America was involved in an aviation accident near Ban Phonemuang, Laos in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered B-150
Aircraft registered B-150. Photo: Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A supply aircraft carrying rise bags was shot down by enemy fire while cruising at low height. Both pilots were killed, and five other occupants were taken prisoner of war.

Incident Overview and Mission Context The aircraft was engaged in a supply mission and was carrying rise bags at the time of the incident. The flight was being conducted at a low cruising altitude when the event occurred. ## Crash and Casualties The airplane was shot down by enemy fire and subsequently crashed in a prairie. The accident resulted in the deaths of both pilots. Five other occupants on board were taken prisoner of war (PoW) following the crash. ## Official Findings The official investigation identified the probable cause of the accident as the aircraft being shot down by enemy fire.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Sept 1963 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Ban Phonemuang, Laos?

A supply aircraft carrying rise bags was shot down by enemy fire while cruising at low height. Both pilots were killed, and five other occupants were taken prisoner of war.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Sept 1963 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 5 Sept 1963 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration B-150, operated by Air America, at Ban Phonemuang, Laos.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Shot down by enemy fire.

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