Engine overspeed leads to loss of control during emergency maneuver near Taichung

57 fatalities • Taichung, Taiwan • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced an engine overspeed shortly after departing Shui-Nan Airport, resulting in a fatal crash during an attempted emergency return.

What happened

Following departure from Shui-Nan Airport, the aircraft's number one engine began to overspeed. In response to this mechanical failure, the pilot attempted to execute a left turn to facilitate an emergency landing at either Taichung Airport or the nearby Kung-Kuan Military Air Base.

During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a steep nose-low attitude with the left wing positioned low. The flight ended when the aircraft impacted the ground. There were no survivors reported from the crash.

Findings

The investigation focused on the sequence of events following the engine malfunction. The accident occurred in an area situated between Shui-Nan Airport and the Kung-Kuan Military Air Base, with a mountain range located to the right of the standard flight pattern.

Investigators determined that the abruptness of the left turn performed to reach an emergency landing site caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft. The loss of control during this high-stress maneuver led directly to the impact.

Probable cause

The pilot lost control of the aircraft due to an abrupt turning maneuver initiated immediately following an engine overspeed event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1964-06-20 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Taichung, Taiwan?

An aircraft experienced an engine overspeed shortly after departing Shui-Nan Airport, resulting in a fatal crash during an attempted emergency return.

Were there any fatalities in the 1964-06-20 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 57 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1964-06-20 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration B-908, operated by Civil Air Transport, at Taichung, Taiwan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost control of the aircraft due to an abrupt turning maneuver initiated immediately following an engine overspeed event.

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