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Aircraft overruns runway and comes to rest in ditch (42-96689)

Yantai, ChinaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 27, 1945, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration 42-96689) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Yantai, China during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew selected the wrong runway, leading to a tailwind landing that extended the necessary stopping distance beyond the available runway length. 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 failed to stop within the available runway distance after landing, resulting in an overrun into a ditch. The incident caused no injuries but resulted in the total loss of the airframe.

What happened

Following touchdown, the aircraft was unable to decelerate sufficiently within the remaining runway length. Consequently, it overran the paved surface and came to rest in a nearby ditch. There were no casualties reported during this event, although the damage sustained led to the aircraft being written off.

Findings

The official investigation determined that the crew selected an incorrect runway for their approach. This decision resulted in a landing with a tailwind component, which significantly increased the required stopping distance and contributed to the overrun.

Probable cause

The crew selected the wrong runway, leading to a tailwind landing that extended the necessary stopping distance beyond the available runway length.

Related events

Same operator

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