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Engine Overspeed Prompts Emergency Turn and Loss of Control Near Taichung (B-908)

Taichung, TaiwanTakeoff (climb)

On June 20, 1964, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration B-908) operated by Civil Air Transport was involved in an aviation accident near Taichung, Taiwan during takeoff. 57 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: When the pilot found that the left engine was overspeeding, he made an abrupt left turn to land at Kung-Kuan Military Air Base or return to Shui-Nan Airport. During the turn he lost control of the aircraft, which crashed to the ground. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from Taichung, a left engine oversped, leading the pilot to initiate a left turn for an emergency return. The aircraft lost control and crashed in a left-wing-low, nose-low attitude.

Incident Overview

Shortly after departing from Taichung, the aircraft experienced an overspeed condition on its left engine. In response, the pilot initiated a left turn with the intention of returning to Taichung Airport or diverting to a nearby military air base. During the maneuver, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently struck the ground in a left-wing-low and comparatively steep nose-low attitude.

Terrain and Airfields

Approximately five miles west of the accident site was Kung-Kuan Military Air Base. Six miles south-southwest was Shui-Nan Airport, the departure point. To the right of the flight pattern, a chain of mountains was located.

Official Findings

The investigation concluded that the pilot, upon detecting the overspeeding left engine, executed an abrupt left turn to attempt landing at Kung-Kuan Military Air Base or to return to Shui-Nan Airport. During the turn, control was lost, resulting in the crash.

Probable cause

When the pilot found that the left engine was overspeeding, he made an abrupt left turn to land at Kung-Kuan Military Air Base or return to Shui-Nan Airport. During the turn he lost control of the aircraft, which crashed to the ground.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

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

Shortly after takeoff from Taichung, a left engine oversped, leading the pilot to initiate a left turn for an emergency return. The aircraft lost control and crashed in a left-wing-low, nose-low attitude.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Jun 1964 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 20 Jun 1964 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?

When the pilot found that the left engine was overspeeding, he made an abrupt left turn to land at Kung-Kuan Military Air Base or return to Shui-Nan Airport. During the turn he lost control of the aircraft, which crashed to the ground.

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