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.
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.
What happened in the 23 Apr 1948 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Mexico City, Mexico?
Aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff while being delivered to the Israel Air Force, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Apr 1948 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Apr 1948 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration RX-138, operated by Israeli Air Force - Heyl Ha'avir, at Mexico City, Mexico.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The crash resulted from the failure of one engine immediately after rotation.
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