Curtiss C-46 Commando accident at Hindhead, United Kingdom, 6 May 1945 (44-77839)
On May 6, 1945, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration 44-77839) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Hindhead, United Kingdom during landing or approach. 31 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the crew started the approach in visual mode in IMC. The aircraft hit a 70 meters high radar antenna that was not visible because it was not equipped with lights. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
It was determined that the crew started the approach in visual mode in IMC. The aircraft hit a 70 meters high radar antenna that was not visible because it was not equipped with lights. Also, the crew was unaware of the presence of the antenna as it was not showed on any charts.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The crew was completing a flight to the US, repatriating wounded US soldiers. It was scheduled to make a stopover at RAF Greenham Common near Newbury, Berkshire. Starting the descent, the crew encountered low visibility with clouds to 600 feet. While flying in a mountainous area, the twin engine aircraft hit a radar antenna, lost its right wing and crashed in flames on a hut located on Mt Gibbet located near Hindhead, Surrey. All 30 occupants and one person in hut were killed. Crew: 2nd Lt John N. Boyce Jr., 1st Lt Herbert R. Chickering.
Probable cause (official findings): It was determined that the crew started the approach in visual mode in IMC. The aircraft hit a 70 meters high radar antenna that was not visible because it was not equipped with lights. Also, the crew was unaware of the presence of the antenna as it was not showed on any charts.