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Cargo Plane Crashes in Andes After Engine Failure (N68823)

Belén, ChileFlight

On February 18, 1959, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N68823) operated by Southern Cross Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Belén, Chile in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the failure of the right engine could not be determined with certainty. However, as a result of it, the exhaust valve of the number 10 cylinder had failed from its piston beating against the spark plugs and cylinder head. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N68823
Aircraft registered N68823. Photo: Eric Salard / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A cargo aircraft flying from Arica to Puerto Suarez experienced a right engine failure over the Andes and crashed near Belén after striking stone walls. The aircraft was destroyed and all five occupants were killed.

Incident Overview

A cargo aircraft departed Arica on a flight to Puerto Suarez. The aircraft was overloaded by 1,000 pounds. During the flight over the Andes Mountains, the right engine lost power.

Emergency Landing Attempt

Unable to maintain a safe altitude, the crew decided to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft subsequently struck stone walls and crashed in flames near Belén. The aircraft was destroyed and all five occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

The exact cause of the right engine failure could not be determined with certainty. However, as a result of the failure, the exhaust valve of the number 10 cylinder had failed from its piston beating against the spark plugs and cylinder head.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Feb 1959 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Belén, Chile?

A cargo aircraft flying from Arica to Puerto Suarez experienced a right engine failure over the Andes and crashed near Belén after striking stone walls. The aircraft was destroyed and all five occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Feb 1959 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Feb 1959 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration N68823, operated by Southern Cross Airways, at Belén, Chile.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the failure of the right engine could not be determined with certainty. However, as a result of it, the exhaust valve of the number 10 cylinder had failed from its piston beating against the spark plugs and cylinder head.

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