Zone
Oklahoma

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680FP in El Reno: 3 killed

Date & Time: Jan 11, 1979 at 1010 LT
Type of aircraft:
Rockwell Grand Commander 680
Operator:
Ronald L. Quibell
Registration:
N2177M
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Executive/Corporate/Business
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
El Reno - New Orleans
MSN:
680-1170-89
YOM:
1962
Location:
El Reno
Oklahoma
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
12138
Circumstances:
After takeoff from El Reno-Regional Airport, while climbing in foggy conditions, the pilot lost control of the airplane that dove into the ground and crashed few miles from the airfield. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Loss of control during climb to cruise after the pilot suffered a spatial disorientation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Low ceiling,
- Fog,
- Visibility one mile or less.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680 in Oklahoma City: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 28, 1978 at 1745 LT
Type of aircraft:
Rockwell Grand Commander 680
Operator:
Kenneth L. McMillin
Registration:
N6818S
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Ferry
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Oklahoma City - El Reno
MSN:
680-324-18
YOM:
1956
Location:
Oklahoma City-Clarence E. Page
Oklahoma
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2155
Captain / Total hours on type:
400.00
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Oklahoma City-Clarence E. Page Airport, while climbing, the copilot declared an emergency following an engine failure and was cleared to return. The airplane lost height and while attempting an emergency landing, the crew lost control of the airplane that crashed few miles from the airfield. A pilot was killed while the second occupant was seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Stall on final approach due to engine failure caused by the failure of master and connecting rods. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Fatigue fracture,
- Failed to follow approved procedures,
- Failed to retract landing gear,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- Attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment,
- Inadequate maintenance and inspection,
- Partial loss of power one engine,
- Complete engine failure one engine,
- Forced landing off airport on land,
- Conrod failed on left engine,
- Pilot aware of 800-1,000 rpm magneto drop on right engine,
- Flaps and gears down,
- Aircraft unairworthy.
Final Report:
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