On May 20, 1976, a Curtiss C-46 Commando operated by Air Haïti was involved in an aviation accident near Nassau, Bahamas during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failed during flight for undetermined reasons, leading to a subsequent landing gear collapse upon touchdown. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft was forced to perform an emergency diversion to Nassau Airport after experiencing a loss of power during flight.
What happened
During the course of the flight, the crew experienced a mechanical issue involving an engine failure. This malfunction necessitated an immediate diversion to Nassau Airport to attempt an emergency landing.
As the aircraft touched down on the runway, the undercarriage failed and collapsed. The impact caused the plane to come to a stop on the airfield. Despite the structural damage sustained during the landing sequence, there were no fatalities or injuries reported among the occupants.
Findings
Investigations into the incident focused on the mechanical failure that occurred while the aircraft was airborne. The primary contributing factor was an engine failure for reasons that have not yet been determined.
Probable cause
The engine failed during flight for undetermined reasons, leading to a subsequent landing gear collapse upon touchdown.