A C-47 transport aircraft engaged in a nighttime paratroop dropping mission, experiencing a catastrophic failure of its first engine during its approach. The pilot aborted the approach, returning to Mackall AAF, despite the altitude being insufficient for jump. The aircraft partially stalled, striking treetops, resulting in a cartwheel and ground impact. The incident prompted a recommendation to use higher octane fuel for future heavy load aircraft.A C-47 transport aircraft engaged in a nighttime paratroop dropping mission, experiencing a catastrophic failure of its first engine during its approach. The pilot aborted the approach, returning to Mackall AAF, despite the altitude being insufficient for jump. The aircraft partially stalled, striking treetops, resulting in a cartwheel and ground impact. The incident prompted a recommendation to use higher octane fuel for future heavy load aircraft.