5 fatalities

Aircraft shot down during bombing mission near Kupang (N5-137)

Kupang, IndonesiaFlight

On January 4, 1944, a North American B-25 Mitchell (registration N5-137) operated by Royal Netherlands East Indies Air Force - ML-KNIL was involved in an aviation accident near Kupang, Indonesia in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was destroyed by enemy fire during a combat mission. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft engaged in a bombing operation was hit by enemy fire and crashed in Tenau, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board.

What happened

The incident occurred while the aircraft was conducting a bombing mission in the vicinity of Kupang. During this operational phase, the plane came under attack from hostile forces. The impact of enemy fire caused the aircraft to lose control and crash into the area known as Tenau. The collision with the ground resulted in immediate structural failure, leading to the death of all five individuals aboard the machine.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary factor leading to the loss of the aircraft was it being shot down by opposing military units. No other mechanical failures or pilot errors were cited as contributing causes in the available records.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by enemy fire during a combat mission.