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.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 Apr 1975 Douglas DC-3 accident near Phnom Penh-Pochentong, Cambodia?
An aircraft crashed into a rice paddy after being struck by mortar fire during its initial climb from Phnom Penh-Pochentong Airport.
Were there any fatalities in the 11 Apr 1975 Douglas DC-3 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Apr 1975 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration XW-PKT, operated by Sorya Airlines, at Phnom Penh-Pochentong, Cambodia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft was struck and brought down by mortar fire during its climb phase.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…