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2 fatalities

Aircraft Crash Near Hollywood Due to Elevator Tab Control Failure (N9904F)

Hollywood, United States of AmericaFlight

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: An in-flight structural failure resulting from a violent pitch-down induced by the erratic action of nonconforming elevator tab controls. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a cornfield near Hollywood after an in-flight structural failure caused by nonconforming elevator tab controls, killing both crew members.

Incident Overview During cruise, the aircraft experienced a sudden pitch-down, lost control, and descended into a cornfield near Hollywood. The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in the deaths of both crew members. ## Probable Cause The official investigation attributed the accident to an in-flight structural failure. This failure was triggered by a violent pitch-down caused by the erratic action of nonconforming elevator tab controls. ## Outcome The event resulted in the total loss of the aircraft and two fatalities among the crew. No other details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or specific date were provided in the source material.

Structural failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Dec 1955 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Hollywood, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed into a cornfield near Hollywood after an in-flight structural failure caused by nonconforming elevator tab controls, killing both crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Dec 1955 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 17 Dec 1955 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration N9904F, operated by Riddle Airlines, at Hollywood, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An in-flight structural failure resulting from a violent pitch-down induced by the erratic action of nonconforming elevator tab controls.

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