Commando 42-101049

VARIANT: Curtiss C-46A-50-CU Commando

USAF SERIAL NUMBER (S/N): 42-101049

CURTISS CONSTRUCTION NUMBER (C/N): 30504

COMMANDO LINE NUMBER (L/N): CU1040

FATE: Written off

  September 1944 to November 1945

  42-101049 - USAAF (USA)

13 September 1944

Delivered from the Curtiss-Wright factory in Buffalo, NY.

Assigned to I Troop Carrier Command at Baer Field, IN.

Apparently stayed within the Continental USA.

  November 1945 to 1951

  42-101049 - RFC (RECONSTRUCTION FINANCE CORPORATION) (USA)

8 November 1945

Transferred to RFC and stored at Walnut Ridge AAF, AR.

  1951 to March 1953

  N66559 - AEROVIAS SUD AMERICANA (USA)

1951

Purchased from RFC.

20 March 1953

Damaged beyond repair in St Petersburg, FL (0/3 fatalities).

The Commando was operating a cargo flight between Tampa, FL and Guatemala City, Guatemala with 3 crewmembers onboard. Enroute, the right engine started backfiring, forcing the crew to divert to St Petersburg after feathering the propeller. A ground check and runup by mechanics failed to show any problems. Another takeoff was attempted, but soon after airborne tower controllers reported smoke coming from the right engine. Another single engine approach to Saint Petersburg was flown, but the aircraft overshot the approach. Full power was added to go around. The Commando stalled with the flaps still down, crashing into a wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed and all three occupants were injured.

Right: N66559 in Aerovias Sud Americanas colors, along a matching lorry, unknown date & location.
Photo credit: unknown / BAAA