6 fatalities

1961-08-13: Curtiss C-46 Commando (B-136) — Air America — Pha Khao, Laos

Pha Khao, LaosFlight

On August 13, 1961, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration B-136) operated by Air America was involved in an aviation accident near Pha Khao, Laos in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Error of judgement on part of the pilot-in-command while completing a supply dropping mission at low height. 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 1781245537Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on a CIA supply dropping mission to General Vang Pao's Hmong Army crashed after a wingtip struck the ground during a sharp turn at low height, killing all six occupants, including three CIA employees.

Incident Summary

An aircraft operating on behalf of the CIA was engaged in a supply dropping mission to General Vang Pao's Hmong Army. During the flight at low height, the pilot-in-command executed a sharp turn. While performing this turn, a wingtip struck the ground. The contact with the ground caused the aircraft to crash.

Occupants

All six individuals aboard the aircraft were killed in the crash. Among the fatalities were three CIA employees: David W. Bevan, Darrell A. Eubanks, and John S. Lewis. The remaining three occupants were not identified in the official findings.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was an error of judgement on the part of the pilot-in-command while completing a supply dropping mission at low height.