No fatalities

Emergency Field Landing Near Yunnanyi Due to Engine Failure (42-61046)

Yunnanyi, ChinaFlight

On January 6, 1945, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration 42-61046) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Yunnanyi, China in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure in flight. 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

Aircraft made an emergency landing in a field near Yunnanyi following an engine failure, resulting in no injuries.

What happened

During flight, the aircraft experienced an engine failure that necessitated an immediate emergency response. The crew executed a forced landing in a nearby agricultural area situated approximately 32 km northwest of Yunnanyi. Upon impact with the ground, the airframe sustained severe structural damage, rendering it beyond repair. Despite the severity of the crash, all three individuals on board managed to evacuate the wreckage safely and emerged without sustaining any physical injuries.

Findings

The official investigation attributed the incident directly to mechanical issues. The primary factor identified was the engine failure in flight, which deprived the aircraft of necessary power and forced the crew to attempt a controlled descent into an unprepared surface.

Probable cause

Engine failure in flight