Military

Crashed in unknown circumstances in a snow covered field somewhere in Canada. There were no casualties but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

The four-engine aircraft was performing a flight from the US to Casablanca via South America (probably Natal), on behalf of the Air Transport Command. The on board delegation was flying to Morocco to take part to a conference. Rumors of a bomb on board caused the crew to divert to Port of Spain. A screwdriver was found in the hatch containing the IFF device but no trace of a bomb. While flying over Suriname, the aircraft exploded in mid-air, disintegrated and crashed in an isolated area located 30 miles northeast of Paramaribo. All 35 occupants were killed, among them Eric Mowbray Night, author and creator of the fictional collie 'Lassie'. He was Major by the US Army Special Services as well. Two identical C-54 planes traveling just 1/2 hour before and after this plane noticed anti-aircraft fire coming from what appeared to be an enemy submarine.
Crew (TWA):
Benjamin Hart Dally Jr., pilot,
Theodore M. Wagner, copilot,
Samuel S. Dorrance, flight surgeon,
Everett Lee Bacon, copilot,
Jason E. Voss, navigator,
James M. Kane, navigator,
Clyde E. Quisenberry, flight engineer,
Leonard La Frank, radio operator,
Leo J. Moriarty, radio operator,
Eugene A. Dempf, flight purser.
Passengers:
Maj Eric Mowbray Knight,
Cpt Albert L. Seeman,
Cpt Basil D. Gallagher,
1st Lt Charles W. Campbell,
1st Lt Peter D. Barnhart,
1st Lt Donald C. Martin,
2nd Lt Carl A. Matteo,
2nd Lt Robert B. Walker,
2nd Lt John T. Girling,
2nd Lt Thomas L. Gallagher,
2nd Lt Max Solomon,
F/O Charles S. Shively,
S/Sgt Russell A. Baughman,
S/Sgt Ellis H. Roberts Jr.,
S/Sgt Heyward O. Wylie,
S/Sgt Roger M. Stoflet,
Sgt Oscar Spahr Jr.,
Sgt Charles S. Roberts Jr.,
Percy E. Foxworth,
Harold D. Haberfeld,
William Hodson,
James W. Seeger,
Charles Howell Brown,
Osmon E. Henryson,
Morris Lewis.
Source: http://www.lassiecomehome.info/id8.html

Crashed on take off for unknown reason. No casualties.

Shortly after take off from Port Moresby-Twelve Mile Airfield, the aircraft stalled and crashed near the Laloki River. Seven crew members were killed while eight others were injured. The aircraft christened 'Diana's Demon' was destroyed.
Crew (22nd BG):
1st Lt Duncan A. Seffern, pilot,
2nd Lt Robert R. Hatch, copilot 13.

Shortly after take off from Reykjavik Airport, while on a transit flight from Europe to the US, the engine number three caught fire and exploded. The crew attempted to return for an emergency landing. On final approach, the engine number three fell off and the aircraft landed in flames. On touchdown, the right main gear failed and the aircraft skidded for several hundred yards before coming to rest with both wings on fire. Nine crew members were killed while six others were injured.
Crew (120th Squadron):
W/O P. L. B. Ellis, pilot, †
F/S J. G. Benson, copilot, †
F/S G. Lowrison, radio navigator, †
Sgt D. McClelland, flight engineer,
F/S A. Barthorpe, wireless operator and air gunner,
Sgt G. Young, wireless operator and air gunner,
Sgt W. Stanfield, wireless operator and air gunner. †
Passengers:
Cdr C. Harris,
Lt A. Finn,
S/L H. Catchlove,
F/O W. Wright, †
F/L F. H. Salt, †
LAC M. I. Kidd, †
Cpl H. Y. Mills, †
Cpl J. D. Cole. †

On touchdown at Cooktown, the aircraft veered to the left. The captain immediately increased engine power and started a go around. At a height of ten feet, the aircraft banked left, causing the left wing to hit the runway surface. The aircraft went out of control and crashed on the runway edge. While the aircraft was damaged beyond repair, all ten occupants escaped unhurt.
Crew:
W/O B. Starkey, pilot,
F/Sgt G. Unkles,
LAC J. R. Naugh,
Sgt A. J. Stribley.
Passengers:
F/O F. P. Nolan,
Sgt H. J. Fletcher,
Sgt A. K. Crooks,
Sgt A. Picton,
Sgt G. Shanks,
F/O J. A. Bonnington.

En route, the seaplane encountered turbulence, lost altitude, hit tree tops and crashed in flames in a wooded area along Gander Lake. Four crew members were killed while three others were injured.

Crashed in unknown circumstances while taking off from Chabua AFB. At least one crew member was killed.

Crashed for unknown reasons on take off from Smyrna AFB, near Nashville. Crew fate unknown.

On final approach to Heliopolis, the twin engine aircraft lost altitude and crashed 3 km short of runway. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and all 11 occupants were killed, among them Air Vice-Marshal Wilfred Ashton McClaughry, his wife and staff.