Incident Overview
Date: Sunday 3 October 1943
Aircraft Type: Curtiss C-46A-15-CU Commando
Owner/operator: United States Army Air Force – USAAF
Registration Number: 41-12422
Location: Kunming, Yunnan Province –
ÿ China
Phase of Flight: Initial climb
Status: Destroyed
Casualties: Fatalities: 6 / Occupants: 6
Component Affected: Commando aircraftCommando aircraft
Category: Accident
A Comando aircraft experienced a catastrophic explosion shortly after takeoff from Kunming Airport, resulting in the deaths of all six crew members. The crash occurred in a field approximately 6.5 km northeast of the airport.A Comando aircraft experienced a catastrophic explosion shortly after takeoff from Kunming Airport, resulting in the deaths of all six crew members. The crash occurred in a field approximately 6.5 km northeast of the airport.
Description
Shortly after takeoff from Kunming airport, while in its initial climb, the Commando exploded and crashed in a field located 6.5 km northeast of the airport. All six crew members were killed. Crew: F/O Gilbert C. Fincher 2nd Lt Winfield A. Hird Cpl Patrick E. Knipshield (Radio Operator) Pfc Joseph P. Kochie Cpl Maurice G. Kosier 2nd Lt Edward J. Wilson
Source of Information
https://curtisscommando.e-monsite.com/pages/aircraft/s-n-41-12384-to-41-12433-curtiss-c-46a-15-cu-commando/commando-41-12421-1.htmlhttps://curtisscommando.e-monsite.com/pages/aircraft/s-n-41-12384-to-41-12433-curtiss-c-46a-15-cu-commando/commando-41-12421-1.htmlPrimary Cause
Explosion of the Comando aircraft.Explosion of the Comando aircraft.Share on:
