Commando 43-47418

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

  August 1945 to November 1945

  43-47418 - USAAF (USA)

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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)

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14 November 1945

Transferred to RFC and stored at Ontario AAF, CA.

  November 1945 to February 1947

  N59486 - SLICK AIRWAYS (USA)

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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.