Emergency belly landing at Tachikawa Air Base following engine fire

No fatalities • Tachikawa AFB (Tokyo), Japan • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft performing an emergency diversion to Tachikawa Air Base resulted in a hull loss after a belly landing caused by an in-flight engine fire.

What happened

During the flight, the crew encountered an active fire within one of the engines. In response to this emergency, the flight crew initiated a diversion to Tachikawa Air Base to attempt an unplanned landing.

Upon arrival at the airfield, the aircraft performed a belly landing. The impact and subsequent sequence of events caused the plane to come to rest while engulfed in flames. While the incident resulted in zero fatalities or injuries, the engine fire led to the total destruction of the aircraft, which was subsequently declared a write-off.

Findings

Official investigations into the event concluded that the primary factor leading to the emergency landing and subsequent damage to the airframe was an engine fire occurring during the flight phase.

Probable cause

An engine fire occurred during flight, necessitating an emergency diversion and resulting in a belly landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1952-02-01 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Tachikawa AFB (Tokyo), Japan?

An aircraft performing an emergency diversion to Tachikawa Air Base resulted in a hull loss after a belly landing caused by an in-flight engine fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 1952-02-01 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1952-02-01 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration 44-78373, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Tachikawa AFB (Tokyo), Japan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An engine fire occurred during flight, necessitating an emergency diversion and resulting in a belly landing.

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