1946 — Jan 13, USAAF C-46 initial climb crash into sea, off Majuro, Marshall Islands–   12

Compiled 11-11-2023 by Wayne Blanchard for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–12  Aviation Safety Network. USAAF C-46 takeoff crash off Majuro, Marshall Islands, 1-13-1946.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1946, p. 2:

“Date:                          Sunday 13 January 1946

“Type:                         Curtiss C-46D-15-CU Commando

“Operator:                   United States Army Air Force – USAAF

“Registration:              44-78146

“MSN:                         33542

….

“Crew:                         Fatalities:   6 / Occupants:   6

“Passengers:                Fatalities:   6 / Occupants: 23

“Total:                         Fatalities: 12 / Occupants: 29

….

“Location:                   off Majuro (Marshall Islands)

“Phase:                        Initial climb (ICL)

“Nature:                       Military

“Departure airport:      Majuro-Amata Kabua International Airport…Marshall Islands

“Destination airport:    Johnston Island Airport…U.S. Minor Outlying Islands

“Narrative:                   The Curtiss C-46 crashed into the sea off Majuro, Marshall Islands.

Seventeen occupants swam ashore. Twelve were missing. The aircraft

transported Army swimming athletes to a championship.”

Newspapers

Jan 14, AP: “Honolulu, Jan. 14. – (AP) – Surface craft, planes and beach patrols combed waters of Majuro atoll in the Marshall Islands Monday for 12 persons missing in the crash of an Army C-46 Skytrain. The plane plunged into the sea early Sunday only a mile from the end of Majuro airstrip, with 29 men aboard. Ten survivors were picked up from the sea, and seven from the surf, the Navy said. Prospects of finding others were termed remote….” (Associated Press. “12 Persons Missing in Crash of Skytrain Are Sought.” The Montana Standard, Butte. 1-15-1946, p. 1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “12 Persons Missing in Crash of Skytrain Are Sought.” The Montana Standard, Butte. 1-15-1946, p. 1. Accessed 11-11-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/montana-standard-jan-15-1946-p-1/

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1946, p. 2. USAAF C-46 takeoff crash off Majuro, Marshall Islands, 1-13-1946. Accessed 11-11-2023 at:

https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19460113-1