Stall and crash during emergency landing attempt at St. Petersburg Airport

No fatalities • Saint Petersburg, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight operating between Tampa and Guatemala City crashed following an engine failure and subsequent stall during an aborted landing attempt.

What happened

A cargo operation traveling from Tampa Airport to Guatemala City experienced mechanical difficulties shortly after departing Tampa. Due to issues with the engines, the crew diverted the aircraft type to St. Petersburg Airport, where they successfully landed. Following a maintenance inspection of both engines that yielded no significant findings, the flight departed St. Petersburg once more.

Shortly after the second takeoff, air traffic control notified the crew of visible white smoke emanating from the right engine. In response to this emergency, the crew received authorization to return to the airport. The pilot shut down the affected engine and feathered the propeller to stabilize the flight. During the approach, the aircraft failed to touch down on the runway, instead traversing its entire length.

In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot-in-command initiated a go-around. However, during this maneuver, the aircraft type entered a stall and impacted the ground. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft, and all 3 fatalities/injuries (specifically 3 injured) were sustained by the crew members on board.

Findings

The investigation identified that the right engine failed for an undetermined reason. A significant contributing factor to the crash was that the aircraft entered a stall while operating with one engine inoperative and with the flaps fully extended.

Probable cause

The failure of the right engine led to an aerodynamic stall during a go-around attempt while the aircraft was configured with full flaps.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-03-20 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Saint Petersburg, United States of America?

A cargo flight operating between Tampa and Guatemala City crashed following an engine failure and subsequent stall during an aborted landing attempt.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-03-20 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-03-20 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration N66559, operated by Aerovias Sud Americana, at Saint Petersburg, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the right engine led to an aerodynamic stall during a go-around attempt while the aircraft was configured with full flaps.

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