No fatalities

1954-01-31: Curtiss C-46 Commando (HK-603) — Lineas Interamericana Aérea — Bogotá-Techo, Colombia

Bogotá-Techo, ColombiaFlight

On January 31, 1954, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration HK-603) operated by Lineas Interamericana Aérea was involved in an aviation accident near Bogotá-Techo, Colombia in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An engine caught fire in flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781252453Data APIEditorial standards

During a local training flight, an engine fire led to a belly landing in a field near Bogotá-Techo Airport. Both crew members escaped uninjured; the aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Incident Overview

A training flight operating from Bogotá-Techo Airport experienced an engine fire in flight. The crew attempted an emergency landing in a field adjacent to the airport. The airplane executed a belly landing, sliding for dozens of yards before coming to a stop engulfed in flames.

Crew and Aircraft

Both crew members on board escaped without injury. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the fire that followed the landing.

Sequence of Events

The local training flight was underway when an engine caught fire. The pilots immediately initiated an emergency descent and aimed for a suitable open area. The belly landing occurred in a field, after which the aircraft slid across the ground and ultimately came to rest burning.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause: an engine caught fire in flight.