The Curtiss C-46D-10-CU Commando with the aircraft registration number 44-77577 had been delivered to the United States Air Force on December 14, 1944. According to some sources, in July 1949, it underwent a conversion, which effectively changed the aircraft model to TC-46D.[citation needed]
Accident
Military training maneuvers involving National Guard Air Forces from various states were being conducted in Myrtle Beach prior to the crash, and the military personnel were returning home. Among them was a group of 30 servicemen from the Tennessee Air National Guard, who were heading to Nashville (state of Tennessee). The aircraft was 44–77577, and the crew consisted of four people.[1][2]
However, just a few minutes after takeoff, the aircraft crashed to the ground 9 miles (14½ km) northwest of Myrtle Beach[3] and was completely destroyed, causing a large fire at the site. All individuals on board perished.[1]
A total of 39 bodies were recovered from the wreckage, which meant there were actually 5 more people on board than officially listed. It is possible these were military personnel who had boarded the aircraft as a form of transportation. Thus, officially, 39 people were confirmed dead in the crash.[2] It was the deadliest aviation accident in the history of the state of South Carolina.[4]
Investigation
Parts of the wing were discovered a quarter of a mile (about ½ km) from where the fuselage fell, which immediately led to speculation of an onboard explosion.[1] However, upon closer examination, it was determined that shortly after takeoff, the left aileron broke apart in its central section, causing it to detach. The aircraft, having climbed to 1,000–2,000 feet (300–600 m), went out of the crew's control, and the resulting excessive stress led to the detachment of both wings. Unable to continue flying, the C-46 plummeted to the ground.[4]
