2 fatalities

Post-takeoff crash during delivery flight to Israel Air Force (RX-138)

Mexico City, MexicoTakeoff (climb)

On April 23, 1948, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration RX-138) operated by Israeli Air Force - Heyl Ha'avir was involved in an aviation accident near Mexico City, Mexico during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crash resulted from the failure of one engine immediately after rotation. 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

Aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff while being delivered to the Israel Air Force, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

What happened

The incident occurred immediately following rotation when the aircraft lost control and impacted the ground, catching fire. The flight was part of a delivery operation transporting the airframe from Burbank to the Israel Air Force. At the time of the accident, the machine was still registered under the Panamanian flag by LAPSA - Lineas Aéreas de Panama. Four other similar aircraft were conducting identical delivery missions concurrently. Both members of the flight crew perished; the copilot died at the scene, while the captain succumbed to severe injuries a few hours later.

Findings

Investigations determined that the accident was caused by the failure of one engine just after rotation.

Probable cause

The crash resulted from the failure of one engine immediately after rotation.