3 fatalities

Aircraft crash during takeoff at Lüliang Airport (42-96537)

Lüliang, ChinaTakeoff (climb)

On October 1, 1944, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration 42-96537) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Lüliang, China during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control on takeoff resulting from an engine failure during rotation. 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

An aircraft lost control shortly after lifting off from Lüliang Airport, resulting in a crash onto the runway edge that killed three crew members and seriously injured one other occupant.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following departure from Lüliang Airport, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional stability. The machine banked unexpectedly and subsequently impacted the ground near the runway boundary. The collision resulted in significant structural damage to the airframe. Three members of the flight crew lost their lives in the incident, while the fourth person on board sustained serious injuries.

Findings

The official investigation attributed the accident to a mechanical malfunction during the critical takeoff sequence. Specifically, an engine failure occurred as the aircraft rotated for departure. This loss of thrust prevented the pilot from maintaining adequate control authority, leading directly to the uncontrolled bank and subsequent crash.

Probable cause

Loss of control on takeoff resulting from an engine failure during rotation.