Country
Crash of a Curtiss C-46A-45-CU Commando near Mt Redoubt: 2 killed
Date & Time:
Dec 20, 2000 at 1620 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N1419Z
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Kenai – Big River Lakes – Nondalton – Kenai
MSN:
30228
YOM:
1944
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total hours on type:
1540.00
Aircraft flight hours:
10907
Circumstances:
The flight crew was returning from off-loading their cargo at a remote site on the west side of a mountain range. The return flight would provide an option of following a lower mountain pass, or flying over the mountainous terrain. Witnesses related that prior to the flight's departure, the marginal VFR weather conditions began to deteriorate very rapidly, with winds in excess of 50 knots, lowering ceilings, rain, and turbulence. An airmet, valid during the time of the accident, forecast high winds, mountain obscuration, and turbulence. The wreckage of the airplane was located near the crest of a 2,900 feet msl ridge. Wreckage debris was scattered on both sides of the ridge, and the airplane was destroyed by the high speed impact. Inspection of the wreckage disclosed no evidence any mechanical anomalies. A radar track analysis of a target airplane believed to be the accident airplane, depicted a track on a direct route of flight over the mountains from the departure airport towards the destination airport. Altitude data was not received from the target airplane's Mode C transponder, and therefore was extrapolated from the less reliable radar plot information. The maximum altitude plotted was approximately 10,800 feet, prior to a descent as the airplane neared the west side of the range. Mountains along the route of flight exceed 10,000 feet msl.
Probable cause:
The flight crew's decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors associated with the accident are high winds, turbulence, and low ceilings.
Final Report:
Crash of a Curtiss C-46A-60-CS Commando in Villavicencio: 10 killed
Date & Time:
Jul 9, 2000 at 0825 LT
Registration:
HK-851P
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Villavicencio – Mitú
MSN:
383
YOM:
1945
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
17
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
10
Aircraft flight hours:
38837
Circumstances:
The aircraft, registered to a private individual, departed Villavicencio-La Vanguardia Airport on a charter flight to Mitú, carrying 17 passengers and two pilots while the aircraft was certified to carry 13 passengers maximum. The crew filed an flight plan with only six people on board. Shortly after takeoff, while in initial climb, the right engine caught fire. The crew activated the fire extinguishing system but as both bottles were empty, the fire could not be contained. The captain initiated a right hand turn to return to the airport when the aircraft stalled and crashed, bursting into flames, two minutes after takeoff. Both pilots and eight passengers were killed while nine other people were injured. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire.
Probable cause:
The decision and inappropriate operation of the pilot to return with a right hand turn with an uncontrolled fire in the n°2 engine leading to a loss of lift on the wing on that side and a loss of control over the aircraft. It was also determined that the aircraft was not airworthy at the time of the accident. The crew flying experience could not be determined as the crew failed to complete their personal logbook. Also, the captain's medical certificate was not valid anymore.
Crash of a Curtiss C-46F-1-CU Commando in Bolivia
Date & Time:
Dec 31, 1997
Registration:
CP-1280
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
22569
YOM:
1945
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
While on a cargo flight, the crew encountered technical problems and was forced to attempt an emergency landing somewhere in east Bolivia. The aircraft crash landed and came to rest in trees, broken in two. There were no casualties. The exact date of the accident remains unknown, somewhere in 1997.
Crash of a Curtiss C-46 Commando in Huetamo de Núñez
Date & Time:
Feb 17, 1997 at 0330 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N1442V
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
22503
YOM:
1945
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The aircraft was probably involved in an illegal flight when it crashed and burnt while trying to land in a remote area located near Huetamo de Núñez. No one was found in the wreckage and it was later confirmed that the registration N1442V was false.
Crash of a Curtiss C-46F-1-CU Commando in Villavicencio: 9 killed
Date & Time:
May 9, 1995 at 1635 LT
Registration:
HK-3079-G
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Mitú – Villavicencio
MSN:
22538
YOM:
1945
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
9
Captain / Total hours on type:
2015.00
Copilot / Total hours on type:
96
Aircraft flight hours:
21406
Circumstances:
On approach to Villavicencio-La Vanguardia Airport runway 04, the crew encountered poor weather conditions (heavy rain falls) and a visibility limited to 1,000 metres. After passing the missed approach point, the crew was unable to establish a visual contact with the runway and initiated a go-around procedure. Shortly later, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located in the San Jeronimo Mountain Range, about 5 km north of runway 22 threshold. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 9 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Loss of situational awareness on part of the crew after he deviated from the standard approach procedures. The lack of visibility was considered as a contributing factor.
Final Report:
Crash of a Curtiss C-46F Commando in Lokichoggio
Date & Time:
Apr 23, 1994 at 0400 LT
Operator:
Registration:
C-GIXZ
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
22495
YOM:
1945
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Just after liftoff, while climbing by night, the left engine lost power and failed. Its propeller was feathered and undercarriage and flaps were retracted. The aircraft lost height and crash landed near the runway end. Both pilots escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. It was chartered by Relief Air Transport.
Probable cause:
Failure of the left engine during initial climb for unknown reasons.
