Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 500A in Walnut Grove: 6 killed
Date & Time:
Oct 10, 1975 at 1123 LT
Registration:
N9394R
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Stockton – Sacramento – Klamath Falls
MSN:
500-913-21
YOM:
1960
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Circumstances:
While in cruising altitude, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with rain, turbulences and thunderstorm activity. While flying under VFR mode, he lost control of the airplane that entered a dive. It suffered an in-flight failure then crashed inverted in water near Walnut Grove. All six occupants were killed. VFR flight was not recommended by FSS.
Probable cause:
Loss of control and uncontrolled descent after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot suffered a spatial disorientation,
- Overload failure,
- Rain,
- Turbulences and thunderstorm activity,
- Separation in flight,
- In-flight structural failure.
- The pilot suffered a spatial disorientation,
- Overload failure,
- Rain,
- Turbulences and thunderstorm activity,
- Separation in flight,
- In-flight structural failure.
Final Report:
