7 fatalities

Military aircraft crash in Bhutan kills all seven on board (41-38746)

Sakden, BhutanFlight

On June 5, 1945, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 41-38746) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Sakden, Bhutan in flight. 7 people were killed. 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 2026-08-25Data APIEditorial standards

A military transport aircraft crashed into a mountainous region south of Sakden, Bhutan, while en route from Calcutta to Jorhat, resulting in the deaths of all seven occupants.

What happened

The incident occurred during an enroute flight segment between Calcutta and Jorhat. The aircraft encountered difficulties in a mountainous terrain situated south of Sakden, within the borders of Bhutan. The plane subsequently crashed into the rugged landscape. There were no survivors among the personnel on board; all seven individuals aboard the aircraft lost their lives in the accident.

The crew consisted of five military members, including a Captain and four other enlisted or officer ranks. Two additional passengers, both holding the rank of Captain, were also present in the cabin at the time of the impact. The remote location of the crash site in the Himalayan region likely complicated immediate recovery efforts.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 1945 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Sakden, Bhutan?

A military transport aircraft crashed into a mountainous region south of Sakden, Bhutan, while en route from Calcutta to Jorhat, resulting in the deaths of all seven occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jun 1945 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 1945 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 41-38746, operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947), at Sakden, Bhutan.