History of Flight
On August 20, 2019, about 1118 eastern daylight time, an Aero Commander (Meyers) 200D airplane, registration N200HS, departed from Livingston County Spencer J Hardy Airport (OZW) in Howell, Michigan. The airplane was substantially damaged after impact with terrain. The pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight.
The airplane had recent maintenance, during which the passenger installed a field-overhauled engine and a three-bladed propeller. The pilot occupied the left seat, and the passenger occupied the right seat. They were performing a postmaintenance check flight. This was the second flight of the day for the airplane. Before the first flight, the airplane was fueled with 34.4 gallons. It was not determined if any adjustments or maintenance occurred between flights.
Witnesses observed the airplane take off normally but stop climbing between 300 and 400 ft above ground level. One witness reported the airplane attempted to turn back to the runway before entering a rapid descent. Another witness did not hear the engine but could not recall whether the propeller was turning.
Airport security video showed the airplane climb, then stop climbing, enter a slight descent, and disappear from view. Another camera captured a rapid descent just before impact. A smartphone from inside the airplane recorded two videos. One video captured the flight just after takeoff, then a decrease in engine sound followed by a momentary warning horn. An occupant stated, "we're stalling," followed by a stall warning horn and impact.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was originally equipped with a Continental IO-520-A engine and a McCauley two-bladed propeller. It had been modified with a Continental IO-550-F engine and a McCauley three-bladed propeller. Such modifications are typically documented on FAA Form 337, but neither the form nor maintenance records for the modification were found during the investigation.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane impacted terrain about 600 ft beyond the departure end of runway 13. The forward cabin, fuselage, and both wings sustained impact damage. All major components were at the crash site. Two propeller blades were in the wreckage path; the third remained in the hub and engine. No postcrash fire occurred.
Control continuity was established for elevator and rudder. Aileron continuity was continuous to both bellcranks. Landing gear and flap handles were in the down position. Damage near the landing gear struts was consistent with extended gear. Front seats had only lap belts.
Engine examination revealed the air filter element was displaced and lodged in the intake tube. The crankshaft rotated by hand, compression and suction were obtained on all cylinders, and internal continuity was confirmed. A snap/click sound from magneto impulse couplings and spark from top ignition leads were observed. The fuel pump was intact and rotated freely. Spark plugs had dark combustion deposits and normal electrodes; cylinders 4 and 6 showed carbon fouling.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy on the pilot determined the cause of death as multiple traumatic injuries. Toxicological testing of the pilot's specimens was negative for ethanol and carbon monoxide but positive for doxylamine and dextromethorphan, over-the-counter medications for cold or allergy symptoms.
Tests and Research
The airplane was equipped with a JPI engine monitor, and data were downloaded.