Accident Overview
On May 24, 2025, at about 1658 central daylight time (CDT), a Rockwell Commander 114A airplane, registration N5903N, was destroyed in an accident near Hankamer, Texas. The private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight Data
ADS-B data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration showed the airplane departed Baytown Airport, Baytown, Texas, about 1627. It flew east, making several turns between 2,500 and 4,000 ft mean sea level (MSL). Shortly before the accident, the airplane flew north and climbed to about 4,275 ft MSL while its airspeed decreased. At approximately 1657:30, the airplane had decelerated to about 59 knots calibrated airspeed when it entered a steep descent. The final recorded ADS-B data point at 1657:48 indicated the airplane was descending through 1,366 ft MSL with a descent rate exceeding 14,700 ft per minute. That final return was located about 790 ft south of the accident site.
Security video from a nearby business captured the airplane descending and impacting terrain. The aircraft appeared intact in a steep nose-low attitude, and the video showed no significant change in roll or pitch attitude during the recorded descent.
Impact and Wreckage
The airplane impacted in a heavily wooded area. Ground signatures and the debris field were consistent with a high-energy, high-angle impact. The initial impact point featured tree limb and ground impact signatures consistent with a near-vertical descent. Debris fanned out between 300° and 045°, with left wing pieces and parts of the empennage located directly north of the impact point. The cruciform tail section, including the rudder and elevators, was found at the top of the impact site. The remainder of the airplane was buried within the terrain, with the engine located about 10 ft below the surface.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate for airplane single engine land. On his most recent application for an FAA medical certificate, dated October 18, 2024, the pilot reported 1,230 total flight hours, with 40 hours logged in the preceding six months.