Engine overspeed leads to belly landing at Kon Tum Airport

2 fatalities • Kon Tum, Vietnam • Takeoff (climb)

An engine failure during the initial climb from Kon Tum Airport resulted in an emergency landing that caused two fatalities on the ground.

What happened

During the takeoff roll at Kon Tum Airport, an aircraft experienced a mechanical failure as it reached the point of liftoff. While performing the initial climb at a speed of 80 knots, the left engine underwent an overspeed event. In response to the malfunction, the pilot-in-command retracted the landing gear and redirected the aircraft toward an open field situated beyond the runway threshold.

The aircraft performed a belly landing in the field, sliding across the terrain for a short distance. During this sequence, the moving aircraft struck two individuals located in the area. While there were no injuries reported among the crew members on board, the collision resulted in two fatalities among the people on the ground.

Findings

  • The primary factor leading to the emergency was an overspeed of the left engine during the early stages of flight.

Probable cause

An overspeed event in the left engine during the initial climb necessitated an emergency landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1966-04-28 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Kon Tum, Vietnam?

An engine failure during the initial climb from Kon Tum Airport resulted in an emergency landing that caused two fatalities on the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 1966-04-28 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1966-04-28 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration CA-1, operated by Air America, at Kon Tum, Vietnam.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An overspeed event in the left engine during the initial climb necessitated an emergency landing.

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