What happened
During a coordinated training exercise operating from Wheeler-Sack AAF, a C-46 was part of a large 17-plane formation. The aircraft was the ninth in the sequence to depart the airfield. During the initial climb phase immediately following takeoff, the plane experienced a loss of control.
The aircraft subsequently struck the apron area, causing significant damage to other planes on the ground. Specifically, the crash impacted a Fairchild C-82A Packet, registration 44-23017, and a Ryan L-17B Navion, registration 48-1064. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the C-46.
Findings
All four crew members on board the aircraft were killed in the accident. In addition to the fatalities, other individuals present during the incident sustained injuries.