No fatalities

Engine failure forces emergency landing near Sookerating Airport (42-96554)

Sookerating, IndiaTakeoff (climb)

On November 23, 1944, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration 42-96554) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Sookerating, India during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was attributed to an engine failure that occurred 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 encountered engine issues shortly after takeoff from Sookerating Airport, prompting an emergency landing in a nearby field with no injuries reported.

What happened

The incident occurred during the initial climb phase immediately following departure from Sookerating Airport. The flight crew identified technical difficulties affecting one of the aircraft's engines. Due to the nature of the malfunction, the crew initiated an emergency procedure and directed the aircraft toward a suitable landing area. The plane came to rest in an open field situated approximately two miles north of the airfield perimeter.

All individuals on board survived the event without sustaining injuries. However, the structural damage sustained during the forced landing resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss.

Probable cause

The accident was attributed to an engine failure that occurred shortly after takeoff.