2 fatalities

Ferry Flight Crash in Colorado Involving Two Pilots (41-12355)

Black Mountain, United States of AmericaFlight

On May 28, 1943, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration 41-12355) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Black Mountain, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident occurred because the crew was asleep with the autopilot engaged, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A ferry flight carrying two pilots crashed into Black Mountain in Colorado at 8,500 feet. Both occupants were killed when the aircraft impacted terrain while under autopilot control.

What happened

The aircraft was operating as a ferry flight originating from Lincoln, Nebraska. At the time of the incident, two pilots were on board. While traversing airspace over Colorado at an altitude of approximately 8,500 feet, the airplane struck Black Mountain. The impact site was located roughly 15 kilometers west of Guffey. Both individuals on board were killed in the collision.

Findings

Investigations determined that the crew members were asleep during the critical phase of the event. The autopilot system remained engaged at the time of the terrain impact. This state resulted in a controlled flight into terrain, leading to the fatal outcome for both occupants.

Probable cause

The accident occurred because the crew was asleep with the autopilot engaged, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain.