No fatalities

Twin-engine aircraft crashes into ocean shortly after takeoff (39561)

Andersen AFB, Guam IslandTakeoff (climb)

On July 4, 1945, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration 39561) operated by United States Marine Corps (USMC) was involved in an aviation accident near Andersen AFB, Guam Island during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the sea approximately five miles offshore during its initial climb phase following departure, leaving the status of the crew undetermined.

What happened

The incident occurred immediately following the departure phase. Shortly after lifting off from the runway, the twin-engine aircraft was in a climbing configuration when it lost control and descended into the water. The impact with the ocean surface took place roughly five miles offshore from the point of origin.

Due to the nature of the accident and the location of the wreckage, the immediate fate of those on board could not be confirmed at the time of the report. The status of the crew remains unknown, with no survivors initially reported or identified in the available data.