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.
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.