Narrative:
The No.8 cylinder of the left engine separated because of fatigue failures, while the aircraft was en route to Mobile at an altitude of 2500 feet. Oil released from the engine was ignited and fire flowing rearward entered the wheel well. It burned through oil and fuel lines in this area greatly increasing the intensity of the fire. The wing separated as a consequence and the plane crashed.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "Fatigue failure of the No.8 cylinder hold down studs causing an uncontrollable in-flight fire".
Loss of control
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Sunday 22 January 1961 |
| Type: |  Curtiss C-46F-1-CU Commando |
| Operator: | Capitol Airways |
| Registration: | N1308V |
| MSN: | 22583 |
| First flight: | 1945 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | near Katy, TX ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | En route (ENR) |
| Nature: | Cargo |
| Departure airport: | San Antonio (unknown airport), TX, United States of America |
| Mobile-Bates Field, AL (MOB/KMOB), United States of America |
The No.8 cylinder of the left engine separated because of fatigue failures, while the aircraft was en route to Mobile at an altitude of 2500 feet. Oil released from the engine was ignited and fire flowing rearward entered the wheel well. It burned through oil and fuel lines in this area greatly increasing the intensity of the fire. The wing separated as a consequence and the plane crashed.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "Fatigue failure of the No.8 cylinder hold down studs causing an uncontrollable in-flight fire".
Classification:
Engine fireLoss of control
Photos
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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