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Aircraft crash during approach to Dallas Love Field (N1697M)

Dallas-Love Field, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 19, 1953, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N1697M) operated by Southern Air Transport was involved in an aviation accident near Dallas-Love Field, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck an embankment due to being below the appropriate altitude during its final approach to the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained significant damage after striking an embankment while on final approach to Dallas Love Field, resulting in two injuries.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight into Dallas Love Field, the aircraft descended below the required altitude and made contact with an embankment located before reaching the runway threshold. The impact caused a crash landing that resulted in the separation of the right wing from the fuselage. Following the collision, the aircraft came to a stop in an inverted position.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was that the aircraft was flying at an insufficient altitude during its approach to the runway.
  • The impact with the ground embankment led to the structural failure of the right wing.
  • There were two injuries reported among the crew members involved in the incident.
  • The aircraft was determined to be a total loss following the crash.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck an embankment due to being below the appropriate altitude during its final approach to the runway.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jul 1953 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Dallas-Love Field, United States of America?

An aircraft sustained significant damage after striking an embankment while on final approach to Dallas Love Field, resulting in two injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jul 1953 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jul 1953 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration N1697M, operated by Southern Air Transport, at Dallas-Love Field, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck an embankment due to being below the appropriate altitude during its final approach to the runway.

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