No fatalities

Engine Fire Prompts Belly Landing at Managua Airport (AN-AMR)

Managua-Augusto Cesar Sandino-Las Mercedes, NicaraguaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 29, 1972, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration AN-AMR) operated by Lineas Aéreas de Nicaragua - LANICA was involved in an aviation accident near Managua-Augusto Cesar Sandino-Las Mercedes, Nicaragua during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Belly landed following an engine fire after takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft belly lands after left engine fire during climb from Managua Airport; no casualties, aircraft destroyed.

Incident

Shortly after takeoff from Managua Airport, while climbing, the left engine of the aircraft caught fire. The flight crew notified ground control of the situation and received clearance to return to the airport for an emergency landing. After a normal approach, the aircraft executed a belly landing on the runway, sliding for approximately a dozen meters before coming to a stop.

Aftermath

There were no casualties among the occupants. However, the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Investigation

Official findings determined the probable cause of the accident to be a belly landing following an engine fire after takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Aug 1972 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Managua-Augusto Cesar Sandino-Las Mercedes, Nicaragua?

Aircraft belly lands after left engine fire during climb from Managua Airport; no casualties, aircraft destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Aug 1972 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Aug 1972 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration AN-AMR, operated by Lineas Aéreas de Nicaragua - LANICA, at Managua-Augusto Cesar Sandino-Las Mercedes, Nicaragua.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Belly landed following an engine fire after takeoff.