On July 10, 1959, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration TI-1020) operated by Aerolineas Nacionales - Costa Rica was involved in an aviation accident near San José-La Sabana, Costa Rica during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The detachment of propeller blades from the left engine during the takeoff roll caused structural damage and a subsequent fire. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced a mechanical failure during its takeoff roll when propeller blades detached, resulting in an emergency stop and subsequent fire.
What happened
While performing the takeoff roll, a mechanical failure occurred involving the left engine of the aircraft. During this phase of flight, one or two propeller blades became detached from the engine assembly. The departing components struck the cockpit area and caused a puncture in the fuselage.
Following the impact, the pilot initiated emergency braking procedures to bring the aircraft to a halt. Upon coming to a stop, the aircraft was engulfed in flames. All nine occupants successfully evacuated the vessel before the fire could cause further casualties. The incident resulted in the partial destruction of the aircraft and left the captain with serious injuries.
Findings
The structural integrity of the cockpit and fuselage was compromised by debris from the engine.
The separation of propeller blades from the left engine was the primary driver of the emergency.
Probable cause
The detachment of propeller blades from the left engine during the takeoff roll caused structural damage and a subsequent fire.