Zone

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 720 in Alcoa: 2 killed

Date & Time: Dec 9, 1988 at 0600 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N120G
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Fort Lauderdale – Alcoa
MSN:
720-630-3
YOM:
1958
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
4103
Circumstances:
After encountering icing conditions in flight and experiencing problems maintaining altitudes and headings, the pilot elected to divert from his planned destination of Dayton, OH to Knoxville, TN. While on final approach after descending 1,300 feet below minimum procedure turn altitude followed by being told the aircraft was well above the glideslope, ATC instructed the pilot to maintain 3,000 feet. Shortly thereafter, ATC reported the mode C indicated 1,900. The pilot responded with 'engine quit'. The aircraft crashed in a pasture about 1 mile from the airport. The investigation revealed that the aircraft was not equipped to operate in icing conditions. The evidence indicated that the flaps and landing gear were extended. Approximately 40 lbs of cocaine were found onboard the aircraft. The tox report for the pilot disclosed .05 mg/l benzoylecognite (cocaine metabolite) in his blood. The pilot had received a weather briefing which included a freezing level at 7,000 feet and filed a flight plan requesting a cruising altitude of 14,000 feet. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical
Phase of operation: approach - iaf to faf/outer marker (ifr)
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - icing conditions
2. (f) weather evaluation - poor - pilot in command
3. 1 engine
4. (c) induction air control/system - ice
5. (c) in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command
6. (f) impairment (drugs) - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: missed approach (ifr)
Findings
7. (c) emergency procedure - improper - pilot in command
8. (f) gear retraction - not performed - pilot in command
9. (f) raising of flaps - not performed - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 500B in Alcoa: 2 killed

Date & Time: Feb 8, 1973 at 1255 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N6166X
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Knoxville - Knoxville
MSN:
500B-996-27
YOM:
1960
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
2871
Captain / Total hours on type:
82.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Knoxville-McGee Tyson Airport, while on a local flight, the pilot lost control of the airplane that dove into the ground and crashed in an open field located in Alcoa, south of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants were killed. It was determined that the pilot was intoxicated.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed due to physical impairment. The following factors were reported:
- Alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgment,
- Icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain,
- Stolen aircraft or unauthorized flight,
- Fog,
- Missed visual approach to airport under ravec,
- Blood alcohol 2,52‰,
- Unauthorized use of aircraft,
Final Report: