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San Miguel Island Takeoff Incident: Left Engine Overspeed and Ditching (N1662M)

San Miguel, PanamaTakeoff (climb)

On December 12, 1956, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N1662M) operated by ASA International Airlines - Aerovias Sud Americana was involved in an aviation accident near San Miguel, Panama during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff from San Miguel Island, a left engine overspeed led to a failed feathering attempt and an emergency ditching. Both pilots were rescued before the aircraft sank at 35 meters depth.

Incident Overview and Immediate Events An aircraft departed San Miguel Island and, shortly after takeoff, experienced an overspeed condition in the left engine. The crew attempted to feather the propeller and shut down the engine, but these actions were unsuccessful. As the aircraft lost both speed and altitude, the crew initiated an emergency landing in the sea a few kilometers offshore. ## Rescue and Subsequent Outcome Both pilots were quickly rescued from the water. The aircraft sank approximately 30 minutes after the ditching, coming to rest at a depth of 35 meters. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or specific cause were provided in the source material.

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