On April 11, 1975, a Douglas DC-3 (registration XW-PKT) operated by Sorya Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Phnom Penh-Pochentong, Cambodia during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was struck and brought down by mortar fire during its climb phase. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft crashed into a rice paddy after being struck by mortar fire during its initial climb from Phnom Penh-Pochentong Airport.
What happened
During the early stages of flight departing from Phnom Penh-Pochentong Airport, an aircraft was struck by a mortar shell. The incident occurred while the plane was performing its initial climb immediately after takeoff. Following the impact, the aircraft descended into a nearby rice paddy field, where it caught fire upon impact.
The accident resulted in three fatalities and one injury among the occupants. The crew members on board were unable to survive the crash, though one individual sustained injuries during the event.
Findings
Investigations into the destruction of the aircraft concluded that the primary reason for the crash was that the plane was shot down by ground fire.
Probable cause
The aircraft was struck and brought down by mortar fire during its climb phase.