On December 17, 1955, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N9904F) operated by Riddle Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Hollywood, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by an in-flight structural failure stemming from erratic elevator tab control movements. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed into a cornfield near Hollywood during its cruise phase, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.
What happened
During the cruise phase of flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden and severe pitch-down motion. This maneuver caused the plane to lose stability and enter an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground within a cornfield situated in the vicinity of Hollywood.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were two fatalities among the crew, with no survivors reported from the flight.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the crash was precipitated by an in-flight structural failure. This failure led to a violent pitch-down movement, which was triggered by the irregular behavior of elevator tab controls that did not conform to standard operational requirements.
Probable cause
The accident was caused by an in-flight structural failure stemming from erratic elevator tab control movements.