Incident Overview

Date: Wednesday 30 December 1964
Aircraft Type: Curtiss C-46A-45-CU Commando
Owner/operator: Zantop Air Transport
Registration Number: N608Z
Location: 3,5 km SW of Detroit-Metropolitan Airport, MI (DTW) – ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Unknown
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 4 / Occupants: 4
Component Affected: Aircraft control system (specifically, the banked left turn and bank angle).Aircraft control system (specifically, the banked left turn and bank angle).
Investigating Agency: NTSBNTSB
Category: Accident
A C-46 Commando aircraft experienced a catastrophic incident during an ILS approach in poor weather. The aircraft rapidly executed a 45-degree banked left turn, exceeding the localizer course and resulting in a significant nose-down and right bank attitude, leading to a collision with multiple trees.A C-46 Commando aircraft experienced a catastrophic incident during an ILS approach in poor weather. The aircraft rapidly executed a 45-degree banked left turn, exceeding the localizer course and resulting in a significant nose-down and right bank attitude, leading to a collision with multiple trees.

Description

The C-46 Commando had been cleared for a runway 3L ILS approach at Detroit in poor weather (sky obscured, visibility 1 mile, light drizzle). During the approach, at 1,5 miles right of the ILS course and 1 mile NE of the Outer Marker, the aircraft suddenly entered a 45-degree banked left turn. The bank angle exceeded 60 deg as the plane crossed the localizer course from left to right. The aircraft struck several 84 feet tall trees in an 8deg nose down and 30deg right bank attitude, struck the ground and disintegrated. In the investigation an incapacitation of the captain was considered, but not supported by post-mortem examination. PROBABLE CAUSE: “Loss of control during night instrument approach in adverse weather for an undetermined reason.”

Primary Cause

Loss of control during night instrument approach in adverse weather for an undetermined reason.Loss of control during night instrument approach in adverse weather for an undetermined reason.

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