No fatalities

Aircraft crash at Misamari Airbase following engine failure (42-96650)

Misamari, IndiaTakeoff (climb)

On December 19, 1944, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration 42-96650) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Misamari, India during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by an engine failure shortly after takeoff. 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 crashed shortly after departing Misamari Airbase due to an engine failure. The status of the crew remains unconfirmed.

What happened

The incident occurred during the initial climb phase, immediately following departure from Misamari Airbase. The aircraft experienced a mechanical malfunction involving its powerplant, which resulted in a loss of thrust or performance shortly after liftoff. Consequently, the aircraft was unable to maintain flight and crashed in the vicinity of the airfield.

Findings

Official investigations identified engine failure as the primary cause of the accident. Records indicate that the fate of the personnel on board has not been definitively established, with their status remaining unknown.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an engine failure shortly after takeoff.