On February 15, 1953, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration HK-606) operated by Lineas Interamericana Aérea was involved in an aviation accident near Medellín, Colombia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost directional stability immediately upon touchdown, leading to a runway excursion. 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.
An aircraft veered off the runway during touchdown, resulting in significant damage to the plane but no injuries to those on board.
What happened
During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control immediately upon contact with the runway. Following the touchdown, the plane drifted from the paved surface and exited the runway area.
The incident resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss due to damage sustained during the excursion. Despite the severity of the impact, all six occupants were able to evacuate the wreckage without sustaining any injuries.
Findings
The aircraft veered off the runway at the moment of touchdown.
The primary factor in the excursion was the loss of control during the landing roll.
Probable cause
The aircraft lost directional stability immediately upon touchdown, leading to a runway excursion.