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2 fatalities

Airplane Crashes After Takeoff, Two Killed (AN-AIN)

Siuna, NicaraguaTakeoff (climb)

On April 5, 1960, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration AN-AIN) operated by Lineas Aéreas de Nicaragua - LANICA was involved in an aviation accident near Siuna, Nicaragua during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: During the investigation, when the port propeller was being dismantled it was discovered that the distributor valve was broken from the base of the junction with the engine crankshaft, the first threads having broken. The break appeared to be due to fatigue. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff, the airplane stalled and crashed in a wooded area 2,400 meters past the runway. Two occupants were killed and 16 injured. The aircraft was destroyed by post-crash fire.

Accident Details

Shortly after takeoff, while climbing, the airplane stalled and crashed in a wooded area located 2,400 meters past the runway end. A crew member and a passenger were killed, while 16 other occupants were injured. The airplane was totally destroyed by a post-crash fire.

Probable Cause

During the investigation, when the port propeller was being dismantled, it was discovered that the distributor valve was broken from the base of the junction with the engine crankshaft, the first threads having broken. The break appeared to be due to fatigue. From the evidence, the rupture of the distributor valve of the port propeller appears to have been the main cause of the accident, additional factors being unfavorable terrain, wind, and altitude conditions.

Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Apr 1960 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Siuna, Nicaragua?

Shortly after takeoff, the airplane stalled and crashed in a wooded area 2,400 meters past the runway. Two occupants were killed and 16 injured. The aircraft was destroyed by post-crash fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Apr 1960 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Apr 1960 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration AN-AIN, operated by Lineas Aéreas de Nicaragua - LANICA, at Siuna, Nicaragua.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

During the investigation, when the port propeller was being dismantled it was discovered that the distributor valve was broken from the base of the junction with the engine crankshaft, the first threads having broken. The break appeared to be due to fatigue. From the evidence, the rupture of the distributor valve of…

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