Incident Overview

Date: Saturday 27 May 1950
Aircraft Type: Curtiss C-46F-1-CU Commando
Owner/operator: Regina Cargo Airlines, lsf United States Air Force – USAF
Registration Number: N9406H
Location: 0,8 km from Teterboro Airport, NJ (TEB) – ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Take off
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 2
Component Affected: Left EngineLeft Engine
Investigating Agency: CABCAB
Category: Accident
A Regina Cargo Airlines flight experienced a serious incident during takeoff on [Date], resulting in a significant accident. The aircraft, carrying 631 pounds of cargo, was cleared for takeoff at Teterboro Airport via Fort Mayne. Initial takeoff occurred with a gross weight of 50,076 pounds, exceeding the maximum allowable weight of 45,000 pounds. Immediately after takeoff, the left engine exhibited a misfire, leading to a significant engine malfunction and subsequent propeller feathering. The aircraft subsequently settled, exhibiting a turn and subsequent lateral slide into marshy terrain. The impact resulted in multiple injuries to the captain and copilot. The probable cause is attributed to overloading of the aircraft due to faulty loading and dispatch procedures, combined with engine malfunction caused by inadequate maintenance.A Regina Cargo Airlines flight experienced a serious incident during takeoff on [Date], resulting in a significant accident. The aircraft, carrying 631 pounds of cargo, was cleared for takeoff at Teterboro Airport via Fort Mayne. Initial takeoff occurred with a gross weight of 50,076 pounds, exceeding the maximum allowable weight of 45,000 pounds. Immediately after takeoff, the left engine exhibited a misfire, leading to a significant engine malfunction and subsequent propeller feathering. The aircraft subsequently settled, exhibiting a turn and subsequent lateral slide into marshy terrain. The impact resulted in multiple injuries to the captain and copilot. The probable cause is attributed to overloading of the aircraft due to faulty loading and dispatch procedures, combined with engine malfunction caused by inadequate maintenance.

Description

The Regina Cargo Airlines flight originated at Teterboro for Detroit via Fort Mayne. A VFR plan was filed prior to takeoff. The aircraft had been fueled to a total of 1171 gallons, and the cargo consisted of 631 individual packages totaling 13,666 pounds. Upon departure, the aircrafts gross weight was 50,076 pounds as against the maximum allowable gross weight of 45,000 pounds. At 17:27 the aircraft was cleared to runway 19 for takeoff. The engines were run up to a manifold pressure of 15 inches of mercury and ignition was checked on both magnetos of each engine. Takeoff was then started and the manifold pressure was increased to 52 inches of mercury. Puffs of black smoke eminated from the left engine immediately after the takeoff. At an altitude estimated as 200-300 feet, the left engine started to misfire. The landing gear had been raised and was checked for position. The left engine continued misfiring and shortly became worse. The left propeller as feathered. Ahead, the terrain as flat, unobstructed and marshy. Full power was maintained on the right engine and a left turn was started as if to return to the airport. At this point the altitude was estimated to be 400-500 feet. During the turn the air speed fell to 85-90 mph and the aircraft settled. This turning and settling continued until the aircraft neared the ground, when it was leveled laterally. It struck while about level, both laterally and longitudinally, and slid along the ground in a generally northeasterly direction for some 620 feet where it struck some large trees and turned to the left about 180 degrees. Both captain and copilot were thrown clear of the wreckage. PROBABLE CAUSE: “The Board determines that the probable cause of the accident was overloading of the aircraft due to faulty loading and dispatch procedures coupled with engine malfunctioning due to inadequate maintenance.”

Primary Cause

Overloading of the aircraft due to faulty loading and dispatch procedures coupled with engine malfunction due to inadequate maintenance.Overloading of the aircraft due to faulty loading and dispatch procedures coupled with engine malfunction due to inadequate maintenance.

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