On May 10, 1973, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N446M) operated by Joel Guinn was involved in an aviation accident near Ellington AFB (Houston), United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right propeller oversped, forcing the crew to attempt an emergency landing. The following factors were reported: - Powerplant propeller and accessories, - Foreign materials affecting normal operations, - Inadequate maintenance and inspection, - Failed to… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
After takeoff from Ellington AFB, a crew reported right engine problems and attempted an emergency landing on I-45 highway. The aircraft belly landed, sliding to a stop; both pilots escaped uninjured but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Incident
Following takeoff from Ellington Air Force Base, the flight crew informed air traffic control of technical difficulties with the right engine. They decided to return for an emergency landing, but the captain subsequently determined that a return to the airfield was not feasible. An emergency landing was attempted on Interstate 45. The aircraft executed a belly landing, sliding for several yards before coming to rest. Both pilots evacuated without injury, but the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the accident was caused by a right propeller overspeed, which forced the crew to attempt an emergency landing. Contributing factors identified include: issues with the powerplant propeller and accessories; foreign materials affecting normal operations; inadequate maintenance and inspection; failure to follow approved procedures; inadequate preflight preparation; an improperly loaded aircraft; improper emergency procedures; an intentional wheels-up landing; suspected or known aircraft damage; metal chips in the propeller; the propeller being feathered; the aircraft being overweight by 1,129 pounds; failure of the normal landing gear extension system; and contact with wires.