On September 22, 1953, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N1673M) operated by North Star Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Miles City, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right engine caught fire shortly after takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Aircraft registered N1673M. Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
A flight carrying Korean War veterans experienced a right engine fire after takeoff from Miles City Airport. The crew performed a belly landing in a field; all 44 occupants evacuated safely, but the aircraft was destroyed.
Incident Overview
The aircraft was completing a special flight from Seattle to Boston, transporting 37 Korean War veterans and a crew of seven. Shortly after takeoff from Miles City Airport, the right engine caught fire. The crew initially decided to return for a safe landing, but the captain realized he could not make it. He reduced altitude and executed a belly landing in a field located a few miles from the airport.
Evacuation and Damage
The aircraft came to rest in flames. Despite the fire, all 44 occupants evacuated safely. The aircraft was totally consumed by fire.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a right engine fire shortly after takeoff.
