54 Years ago today: On 25 November 1968 an Air America Curtiss C-46 crashed on climbout from Savannakhet, Laos , killing 26 out of 28 occupants.

Date:Monday 25 November 1968
Time:15:33
Type:Silhouette image of generic C46 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different
Curtiss C-46D-20-CU Commando
Operator:Air America
Registration:N1386N
MSN:22265
First flight:1945
Crew:Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3
Passengers:Fatalities: 23 / Occupants: 25
Total:Fatalities: 26 / Occupants: 28
Aircraft damage:Damaged beyond repair
Location:3 km (1.9 mls) from Savannakhet Airport (ZVK) (https://cdn.aviation-safety.net/database/country/flags_15/RDPL.gif   Laos)
Phase:Initial climb (ICL)
Nature:Domestic Non Scheduled Passenger
Departure airport:Savannakhet Airport (ZVK/VLSK), Laos
Destination airport:Vientiane-Wattay Airport (VTE/VLVT), Laos

Narrative:
An engine failed shortly after takeoff and the airplane crashed. A wing separated and burned, and the fuselage came to rest inverted.