Zone

Crash of a Curtiss C-46D-10-CU Commando in Taillefontaine: 44 killed

Date & Time: May 23, 1945
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
44-77507
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
32903
YOM:
1944
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
40
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
44
Circumstances:
The aircraft was on its way to Paris with 40 US and German wounded and unnamed soldiers on board. Enroute, an engine caught fire and exploded. The aircraft dove into the ground and crashed in a field near the village of Taillefontaine. All 44 occupants were killed.
Crew:
1st Lt Rex L. Pond,
1st Lt Claude H. Weid,
Sgt Edward Vermillion,
Sgt Edward Hill.