Cargo aircraft crash near Long Beach during approach

No fatalities • Long Beach, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight ended in a ground impact short of the runway threshold at Long Beach after the crew encountered fog during their final approach.

What happened

During a routine cargo operation, the flight crew initiated an approach to Long Beach under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The flight had proceeded without incident until the aircraft entered a localized area of fog while on final approach. As visibility dropped to zero, the plane continued its descent and ultimately impacted the terrain a few dozen yards before reaching the runway threshold.

The impact resulted in the total loss of the aircraft, which was declared a hull loss. Despite the severity of the crash, there were no fatalities among the four crew members, though all four sustained slight injuries during the event.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway after encountering unexpected fog that reduced visibility to zero during the final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1956-12-16 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Long Beach, United States of America?

A cargo flight ended in a ground impact short of the runway threshold at Long Beach after the crew encountered fog during their final approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 1956-12-16 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1956-12-16 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration N2028A, operated by Zantop Air Transport, at Long Beach, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway after encountering unexpected fog that reduced visibility to zero during the final approach.

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