22 fatalities

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Yangon, Myanmar, 25 Jul 1946 (KN585)

Yangon, MyanmarTakeoff (climb)

On July 25, 1946, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration KN585) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Yangon, Myanmar during takeoff. 22 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Turbulence due to thunderstorm activity caused excessive stress on the left wing that broke off shortly after takeoff. 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 1785928842Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

Turbulence due to thunderstorm activity caused excessive stress on the left wing that broke off shortly after takeoff.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

After takeoff, while in initial climb, the aircraft went through a thunderstorm area with severe turbulence. The left wing broke off in the engine, causing the aircraft to crash into a field. All 22 occupants were killed.

Probable cause (official findings): Turbulence due to thunderstorm activity caused excessive stress on the left wing that broke off shortly after takeoff.