No fatalities

Test Flight Divert Ends in Runway Excursion and Fire (41-5176)

Buffalo, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 24, 1943, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration 41-5176) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Buffalo, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. 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

During a test flight, an aircraft encountered technical issues and diverted to Buffalo Airport. Upon landing, the plane veered off the runway and caught fire, injuring both occupants.

What happened

The crew was conducting a test flight when they experienced unidentified technical difficulties while airborne. In response to these issues, the pilot elected to divert the aircraft to Buffalo Airport for an emergency landing.

Upon touchdown, the airplane failed to maintain control on the runway surface. It veered off the paved area and eventually came to rest in the surrounding terrain. The impact triggered a post-crash fire that rapidly engulfed the airframe.

Both individuals aboard the aircraft managed to escape the burning wreckage. They sustained various injuries during the incident, but no fatalities were reported. The aircraft was destroyed by the subsequent fire.