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22 fatalities

Overweight Charter Flight Crash Involving College Football Team (N1244N)

Toledo-Express, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On October 29, 1960, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N1244N) operated by Arctic Pacific Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Toledo-Express, United States of America during takeoff. 22 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was due to loss of control during a premature lift-off. Contributing factors were the overweight aircraft, weather conditions, and partial loss of power in the left engine. 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

A chartered aircraft crashed during initial climb from Toledo Express Airport while returning a college football team. The overweight plane stalled, killing 22 people and injuring 26.

Incident Overview and Route Details A chartered aircraft was engaged in transporting the California State Polytechnic College football team between Santa Maria, California, and Toledo, Ohio. The accident occurred during the return leg of the charter, which was scheduled to depart from Toledo Express Airport for San Luis Obispo, California. ## Operational Conditions and Crash Sequence At the time of takeoff, the aircraft weighed approximately 2,000 pounds more than its maximum certificated gross weight of 47,100 pounds. During the initial climb phase, the airplane experienced a stall. The aircraft subsequently crashed in flames into a field located 1.1 miles past the end of the runway. ## Casualties and Damage The crash resulted in the deaths of both pilots and 20 passengers, including 16 members of the football team. An additional 26 occupants sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the incident.

Probable cause

The accident was due to loss of control during a premature lift-off. Contributing factors were the overweight aircraft, weather conditions, and partial loss of power in the left engine.

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