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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 report: the U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) accident report collection at the National Transportation LibraryUpdated 2026-09-03Data 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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Oct 1960 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Toledo-Express, United States of America?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Oct 1960 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 22 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Oct 1960 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration N1244N, operated by Arctic Pacific Airlines, at Toledo-Express, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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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