Phnom Penh C-47s

A fleet of Douglas C-47-A Cambodian Air Commercial airliners at airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia – 1972. We often flew into Phnom Penh with supplies as the city slowly became isolated, and eventually evolved into a hot spot under siege by advancing Khmer Rouge forces. Shortly after this photo was taken I discovered the foremost C-47 in photo (tail number XW-TDA) was struck by enemy mortar shells fired at the Kampot Airport south of Phnom Penh. The plane was on the ground and passengers were embarking … the 1944 built aircraft was destroyed along with 9 fatalities.