Commando 43-47418
Aircraft Identification
VARIANT: Curtiss C-46E-1-CS Commando
USAF SERIAL NUMBER (S/N): 43-47418
CURTISS CONSTRUCTION NUMBER (C/N): 2944
COMMANDO LINE NUMBER (L/N): CK466
FATE: Written off
Operational Record
August 1945 to November 1945
43-47418 - USAAF (USA)
4 August 1945
Delivered from the Curtiss-Wright factory in Saint Louis, MO.
Intended as lend-lease to China, but cancelled.
Remained within the continental USA.
November 1945
43-47418 - RFC (RECONSTRUCTION FINANCE CORPORATION) (USA)
14 November 1945
Transferred to RFC and stored at Ontario AAF, CA.
November 1945 to February 1947
N59486 - SLICK AIRWAYS (USA)
29 November 1945
Purchased.
Total time airframe 24 hours.
14 February 1947
Damaged beyond repair at Denver Stapleton, CO in an approach accident (2/2 fatalities). CAB Report
Crew:
Capt. Joseph C. Hearn (LHS)
Capt. William S. Day (RHS)
The Commando was operating a cargo flight between Chicago, IL and Denver Stapleton, CO with an intermediate stop in Omaha, NE. There were a load of freight and two pilots on board, the pilot in the right seat being a check pilot. The aircraft descended into Denver in a clear night with unlimited visibility. The crew requested to shoot a practice ILS for runway 21, which was granted, and the left hand seat pilot installed a hood on the windshield and side windows to restrict visibility. The aircraft hit the ground just past the middle marker, in a level attitude with both engines running, and eventually crashed. Both pilots were killed. No explanation was ever found for the accident, as the night was clear, the aircraft seemed to be functionning and the approach lights were fully operational. The probable cause was determined to be spatial disorientation of the flying pilot, and the lack of alertness of the safety pilot.
Total time airframe 2,418 hours.
Last edited: 10/12/2023