Incident Overview
Date: Thursday 28 April 1966
Aircraft Type: Curtiss C-46D-20-CU Commando
Owner/operator: Air America, lsf China Airlines
Registration Number: CA-1
Location: Kon Tum Airfield –
ÿ Vietnam
Phase of Flight: Take off
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants:
Component Affected: Aircraft Engine and Control System (specifically the first engine).Aircraft Engine and Control System (specifically the first engine).
Category: Accident
On AirAmerica’s C-46 aircraft, leased to China Airlines, the plane experienced a rapid and excessive speed increase during takeoff. The pilot reduced thrust to 3000 RPM of the first engine at 80 knots, resulting in a belly-land landing in a field. The situation was exacerbated by limited runway and the presence of military tents and aircraft on both sides.On AirAmerica’s C-46 aircraft, leased to China Airlines, the plane experienced a rapid and excessive speed increase during takeoff. The pilot reduced thrust to 3000 RPM of the first engine at 80 knots, resulting in a belly-land landing in a field. The situation was exacerbated by limited runway and the presence of military tents and aircraft on both sides.
Description
Air America leased China Airlines’ C-46 B-1535 and coded it “CA-1” in 1966. During takeoff, the plane experienced an over speed prop to 3000 RPM of the no. 1 engine at 80 knots. As there was little runway left and US military tents and aircraft on both sides, the pilot retracted the gear and belly-landed the plane into a field straight ahead.
Primary Cause
Excessive speed and throttle reduction during takeoff.Excessive speed and throttle reduction during takeoff.Share on:
