Country

Crash of a Curtiss C-46 Commando in San Francisco

Date & Time: Feb 25, 1970
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
TI-1065
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
During initial climb, the left engine lost power. The captain decided to return for a safe landing. While completing a last turn to join the approach path, the left engine exploded and caught fire. As the airplane was losing height, the captain attempted an emergency landing in a field located few km short of runway. Both pilots were quickly evacuated while the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the left engine exploded and caught fire due to the failure of the carburetor. It is believed that the failure of the left engine and its components may be the consequence of an overloaded aircraft.