On September 20, 1957, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration PP-LEI) operated by Western Hemisphere Import & Export Company was involved in an aviation accident near Panagarh, India during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft sustained heavy damage after crashing in a field approximately 5 km from the runway during its final approach to Panagarh.
What happened
During the final approach phase of flight into Panagarh, the aircraft impacted the ground in an open field. The crash site was situated roughly 5 km before reaching the runway threshold.
As a result of the impact, two injuries were reported among the crew members. Both the pilot and the co-pilot sustained injuries during the event. The aircraft itself was deemed a total loss following the accident.
Findings
There are currently no specific details regarding the underlying reason for the descent into the field, though the impact occurred while the flight was attempting to land at the destination airport.