On June 15, 1950, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N74170) operated by Pan American World Airways - PAA was involved in an aviation accident near Mérida, Mexico in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of a master rod bearing and a crankshaft on the right engine. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a cargo flight to Mexico, the right engine propeller separated, with blades piercing the fuselage and contacting the left engine. The crew executed an emergency belly landing near Mérida; both crew members were unhurt, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Incident
A cargo flight to Mexico experienced a propeller separation on the right engine while airborne. The detached propeller blades penetrated the fuselage and struck the left engine. Confronted with this critical situation, the flight crew attempted an emergency landing.
Emergency Landing
The aircraft executed a belly landing near Mérida. It came to rest on the ground following the landing. Both crew members reported no injuries. However, the aircraft sustained substantial damage and was deemed beyond economical repair.
Cause
Investigators determined the probable cause to be a failure of a master rod bearing and a crankshaft on the right engine. No other causal factors were identified in the official findings.