Zone

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680FLP near Iola: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jul 25, 1980 at 1310 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N6515V
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
680-1599-25
YOM:
1966
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft has been stolen in an airport and used for marijuana transportation. En route, one of the engine stopped due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed in a prairie near Iola, Texas. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled collision with ground following an engine failure in flight due to inadequate preflight preparation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Improper in-flight decisions on part of the pilot,
- Fuel exhaustion,
- Stolen aircraft,
- Complete failure one engine,
- Owner reported aircraft stolen,
- 935 lbs of marijuana found in aircraft,
- CofG approximately 5 inches behind aft limit.
Final Report: