Curtiss C-46 Commando Crash in Taiwan
June 20th, 1964
June 20th, 1964

How Long Ago?
60 years, 8 months, 23 days ago
Location
Shengang District, Taiwan
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
Links & References
Tags
Curtiss C-46 Commando Crash in Taiwan
A Curtiss C-46 Commando aircraft crashed in Shengang District, Taiwan, resulting in the unfortunate loss of 57 lives. The plane, operated by Trans Caribbean Airways, was en route from the Philippines to Taiwan when it encountered severe weather conditions. This led to the aircraft losing altitude and striking hills in the densely forested area of Shengang. Rescuers faced considerable challenges due to the terrain and adverse weather, complicating recovery efforts and delaying the identification of victims.
57 lives lost in the aviation accident.
Curtiss C-46 was a transport aircraft model.
Difficult recovery due to rugged terrain.
Accident prompted safety protocol reviews.
What Happened?
The crash of the Curtiss C-46 Commando in the Shengang District was one of the deadliest aviation accidents of the era. Trans Caribbean Airways operated the flight, which was carrying passengers and cargo from the Philippines to Taiwan. As the aircraft neared its destination, it encountered significant turbulence and adverse weather, which prompted the pilots to attempt an emergency landing. Tragically, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into steep hills covered with dense foliage, making rescue operations exceptionally difficult. Rescue teams faced numerous obstacles, including harsh weather conditions, rugged terrain, and the challenge of accessing the remote crash site. Recovery efforts were thoroughly coordinated, but the adverse conditions severely hampered the speed at which they could operate. Once the wreckage was reached, it was confirmed that all 57 individuals aboard had perished. The event raised significant concerns about aviation safety and the protocols for handling bad weather conditions, especially for flights in mountainous regions.In the wake of the accident, investigations were launched to determine the cause and to assess how similar incidents could be avoided in the future. This led to discussions surrounding improvements in flight safety standards and communication between pilots and air traffic control, particularly during challenging weather scenarios.
Why Does it Matter?
The crash had a lasting impact on aviation safety regulations, prompting a re-evaluation of flight protocols for routes with unpredictable weather patterns. It highlighted the critical need for enhanced pilot training in adverse conditions and the importance of real-time weather data to improve flight safety measures.
Discover More Historic Events from June 20th
Iran Shoots Down US Surveillance Drone
Iran's Air Defense Forces successfully shot down an American surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, primarily surrounding Iran's nuclear program and U.S. sanctions. The downing of the drone heightened fears of military confrontation in the region.
Continue ReadingRusAir Flight 9605 crashes during approach
RusAir Flight 9605, a commercial flight en route to Petrozavodsk Airport, crashed in the Besovets area. The aircraft was approaching the airport when it lost altitude and crashed, resulting in the deaths of 47 individuals onboard. The cause of the crash included poor weather conditions and potential pilot error. This incident marked one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Russian history.
Continue ReadingFoundation of the Wikimedia Foundation
The Wikimedia Foundation was founded in St. Petersburg, Florida, to support the Wikimedia projects, mainly Wikipedia. Established by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger, the foundation aimed to foster a collaborative environment for freely sharing knowledge and information globally. Its inception was driven by the success of Wikipedia, which had launched a few years earlier, and the need for a nonprofit organization to manage its ongoing growth and various projects. The foundation’s mission emphasized the importance of freely accessible and shared educational content.
Continue ReadingImam Reza Shrine Bombing in Iran
On June 20, 1994, a bomb exploded at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Iran, resulting in at least 25 fatalities and injuring between 70 and 300 individuals. The shrine, a significant religious site for Shiite Muslims, was targeted during a crowded day of religious observances. This attack shocked the nation and raised concerns about safety in places of worship and government responses to violence against such symbols of faith.
Continue ReadingBundestag Votes to Relocate to Berlin
The German Bundestag, the national parliament, voted to relocate the seat of government from Bonn to Berlin, affirming Berlin's status as the capital of a reunified Germany. This decision marked a significant step in the country's post-reunification identity, symbolizing a shift from the division of East and West Germany to a unified national capital. The vote resulted in 338 votes for the move, while 320 were against it, reflecting a deeper commitment to integrating the nation.
Continue ReadingDiscovery of Asteroid Eureka
Asteroid Eureka was discovered in 1990 by astronomers. The finding was made by the Mt. Palomar Observatory in California, USA, adding to the growing catalog of known asteroids in the solar system. Eureka, also designated as 1989 GY, was observed using advanced telescopic technology for the time. The discovery contributed to the understanding of asteroidal shapes and orbits. This new addition highlighted the relevance of ongoing celestial studies.
Continue Reading