On March 20, 1953, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N66559) operated by Aerovias Sud Americana was involved in an aviation accident near Saint Petersburg, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine for an unknown reason. The aircraft then stalled due to one engine being inoperative while the flaps were fully deployed, which was considered a contributory factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A cargo flight from Tampa to Guatemala City experienced right engine failure, leading to a missed approach and go-around stall. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were injured.
Sequence of Events
A cargo flight destined for Guatemala City departed from Tampa Airport. Shortly after takeoff, the crew encountered engine problems and decided to divert to St. Petersburg Airport, where a safe landing was completed. Technicians performed control checks on both engines and reported nothing abnormal. The crew then departed St. Petersburg. Soon after takeoff, air traffic control notified the crew that white smoke was spreading from the right engine. The crew obtained permission for an emergency landing, shut down the right engine, and feathered the propeller. For unknown reasons, the aircraft missed the runway and flew over its entire length without landing. The pilot-in-command initiated a go-around, but the airplane stalled and crashed. The aircraft was destroyed, and all three occupants were injured.
Probable Cause
The official findings state that the probable cause was a failure of the right engine for an unknown reason. The aircraft then stalled due to one engine being inoperative while the flaps were fully deployed, which was considered a contributory factor.