3 fatalities

1963-12-07: Curtiss C-46 Commando (N609Z) — Zantop Air Transport — Nederland, United States of America

Nederland, United States of AmericaFlight

On December 7, 1963, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N609Z) operated by Zantop Air Transport was involved in an aviation accident near Nederland, United States of America in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The probable cause of the accident was an improper in-flight decision or planning on the part of the flying crew, who exercised poor judgment. 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 1781243570Data APIEditorial standards

A US Air Force cargo flight from Lowry AFB to Ogden-Hill AFB struck a mountain slope in the Rockies at 12,500 feet and crashed in flames. All three occupants were killed. The wreckage was found on 8 July 1964.

Accident Details

On an unspecified date, a crew conducted a cargo flight from Lowry Air Force Base to Ogden-Hill Air Force Base on behalf of the United States Air Force. While cruising over the Rocky Mountains at an altitude of 12,500 feet, the aircraft encountered poor weather conditions. The airplane subsequently struck the slope of a mountain and crashed in flames.

Search and Recovery

Search and rescue operations were initiated following the accident. However, after several days with no trace of the aircraft or its three occupants, the search was suspended. The wreckage was eventually located on 8 July 1964. All three occupants were killed, and the aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an improper in-flight decision or planning on the part of the flying crew, who exercised poor judgment. Additionally, the weather briefing provided to the crew by military personnel prior to takeoff at Lowry AFB was inadequate, which was considered a contributing factor.