The Curtiss Commando Page
The Curtiss Commando Page
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  4. Commando 42-3615

Commando 42-3615

Aircraft Identification

VARIANT: Curtiss C-46A-35-CU Commando

USAF SERIAL NUMBER (S/N): 42-3615

CURTISS CONSTRUCTION NUMBER (C/N): 26748

COMMANDO LINE NUMBER (L/N): CU388

FATE: Written off

  January 1944 to July 1945

  42-3615 - USAAF (USA)

1 January 1944

Delivered from the Curtiss-Wright factory in Buffalo, NY.

10 January 1944

Departed the USA for India.

Unknown date

Assigned to ATC India China Wing. [132nd Troop Carrier Squadron according to JB, but that unit is unknown]

28 June 1945

Went missing near Mengsa, Yunnan, China. [MACR 14692] [date erroneously reported as 29 June 1945]

Crew:
FO Harry H. Roberts, Pilot
FO Maynard B. Long, Copilot
1st Lt Ralph A. Webster
PFC Arville M. Mooney

The Commando was on a return trip after taking cargo to Chengkung, Yunnan, China and was headed for Myitkyina, Burma. It departed Chengkung at 1832 GMT with an ETA of 2100 for Myitkyina. Over Mengsa, the pilot gave his position report at 1940 GMT at 15,500ft on "OBOE" course. No other contact was made with the Commando. A pilot from this station intercepted a radio message which stated there was a white panel "T" which coordinated with 42-3615's position. Though nothing more has been heard about the white panel "T" there is a possiblilty this could be the crew of 42-3615. Incoming pilots reported thunderstorm activity south of Magshih. There is a possibility 42-3615 may have encountered a severe storm which contributed to its loss. No wreckage has been found to this date.

31 July 1945

“Junked”.