What happened
The incident occurred while a flight crew was conducting a circular training mission over Reno Army Airfield. After completing their circuit around the airport perimeter, the aircraft initiated a night approach. During this phase of flight, the plane collided mid-air with another United States Army Air Forces C-46, which carried the registration 42-96716 and was operating with a crew of seven on board.
Following the impact, both aircraft lost control immediately. The wreckage came to rest a few kilometers from the airfield boundaries. The force of the crash resulted in the total destruction of both transports. All personnel aboard the two aircraft perished in the accident, resulting in 12 fatalities.