The Curtiss Commando Page
The Curtiss Commando Page

Commando 42-96789

Aircraft Identification

VARIANT: Curtiss C-46A-45-CU Commando

USAF SERIAL NUMBER (S/N): 42-96789

CURTISS CONSTRUCTION NUMBER (C/N): 30451

COMMANDO LINE NUMBER (L/N): CU987

FATE: Written off

Operational Record

  Septembre 1944 to August 1945

  42-96789 - USAAF (USA)


13 September 1944

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

29 October 1944

Assigned to ATC India-China Division.

16 August 1945

Went missing over China.

Pilot: Donald F. Guthridge

Destroyed 30 km west of Luliang, Yunnan, China after the crew bailed out following engine problems.

17 August 1944

Condemned for salvage, “washout”.