The Curtiss Commando Page
The Curtiss Commando Page

Commando 42-96537

Aircraft Identification

VARIANT: Curtiss C-46A-45-CU Commando

USAF SERIAL NUMBER (S/N): 42-96537

CURTISS CONSTRUCTION NUMBER (C/N): 30199

COMMANDO LINE NUMBER (L/N): CU735

FATE: Written off

Operational Record

  July 1944 to October 1944

  42-96537 - USAAF (USA)


3 July 1944

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

11 August 1944

Assigned to ATC India-China Division, 1337th AAF Base Unit, Sookerating, Assam, India.

1 October 1944

Damaged beyond repair in Luliang, Yunnan, China in an accident after takeoff due to a mechanical failure (3/4 fatalities).

Pilot: 1st Lt. Edward T. Dwyer Jr

On takeoff from Luliang, the Commando banked and crashed on the runway edge. Three crew members were killed while the fourth occupant was seriously injured. According to the USAAF, the loss of control on takeoff was caused by an engine failure on rotation.

3 October 1944

Condemned for salvage, “washout”.