Curtiss C-46 Commando crash, Feb 18, 1959 (5 killed), Bel...
Curtiss C-46 Commando accident on February 18, 1959 near Belén Región de Arica y Parinacota, Chile with 5 fatalities. Cause: Right engine power loss,...
- Date: February 18, 1959
- Aircraft: Curtiss C-46 Commando
- Location: Belén Región de Arica y Parinacota, Chile
- Fatalities: 5
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: Right engine power loss, most likely a failed exhaust valve on cylinder 10, with the aircraft overloaded by 1000 pounds.
A Curtiss C 46 cargo flight from Arica to Puerto Suarez crashed in flames near Belén after its right engine lost power over the Andes. All five occupants were killed and the aircraft was destroyed. The investigation found the probable cause was a loss of power in the right engine, most likely from a failed exhaust valve on cylinder 10, with the aircraft overloaded by 1000 pounds.