Flight History
On June 12, 2009, at 1623 central daylight time, an Aero Commander S2R, registration N1734S, was destroyed when it collided with terrain and subsequently caught fire near Cordova, Illinois. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 137 as an agricultural application operation without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The aircraft had departed Frank's Flying Service Airport (4IL5), Morrison, Illinois, around 1545.
A witness located approximately one-eighth mile east of the accident site observed the airplane making an agricultural pass over the north end of a field. The airplane then reversed and began a west-to-east pass along the south end. The witness saw the airplane pull up over a house near mid-field on the south edge, rising higher than typical for such operations. After the house, the airplane descended, apparently to resume spraying, but impacted the ground. It bounced once before sliding to a stop east of the initial impact, oriented south. A post-impact fire ensued.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 46, held a commercial pilot certificate issued June 2, 2008, with airplane single-engine land and instrument ratings. He completed a basic agricultural aircraft operations course in April 2008. His second-class medical certificate was issued June 6, 2008, at which time he reported 330 total flight hours with 70 hours in the previous 6 months. The last logbook entry dated July 11, 2008, showed 361.8 total hours, of which 155.3 were dual instruction.
The operator stated the pilot had approached him in early 2008 seeking agricultural flying work. The operator required a commercial certificate and agricultural course before hiring. The pilot obtained both and flew a DW-1 Eagle during the 2008 season, accumulating about 200 hours. For the 2009 season, he transitioned to the Aero Commander, which he flew approximately 28 hours to become familiar, noting it was 10–15 knots faster on spray runs.
Aircraft Information
The 1970 Aero Commander S2R was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 AN2 S3H1-G radial engine (serial number 14669). The most recent annual inspection was completed June 30, 2008, at 8,715 total airframe hours. No maintenance entries followed. The engine had been removed in November 2007 due to metal contamination, disassembled, and partially overhauled. It was reinstalled in April 2008, at which time it had about 10,060 total hours and 736 hours since major overhaul.
Meteorological Information
At 1615, the Whiteside County Airport (SQI) AWOS, about 15 miles east, reported wind from 160° at 3 knots, 10 miles visibility, scattered clouds at 6,500 feet, temperature 25°C, dew point 12°C, altimeter 29.94 inHg. At 1635, conditions were wind calm, 10 miles visibility, few clouds at 7,500 feet, temperature 26°C, dew point 11°C, altimeter 29.93 inHg.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The aircraft came to rest upright, facing south, about 500 feet east of a residence. The impact path was approximately 200 feet long, oriented east. Main landing gear, spray booms, and engine separated and were in the debris path. The fuselage, inboard wing sections, and forward empennage were consumed by fire. Flight control surfaces remained attached, and continuity was established to the cockpit. A post-accident engine examination found no pre-impact anomaly.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy performed June 15, 2009, determined the cause of death as injuries from the accident. FAA toxicology reported: 10% carbon monoxide in blood; 0.55 µg/mL cyanide in blood; norpropoxyphene and propoxyphene detected in urine and blood; tetrahydrocannabinol and its metabolite detected in lung, kidney, urine, and blood. The source of blood for FAA testing was unspecified. The pilot's most recent medical application (June 6, 2008) indicated no medication use and denied substance dependence or illegal substance use in the prior 2 years.