Accident Overview
On March 17, 2026, at approximately 0024 central daylight time, an Aero Commander 500-B airplane, registration N444CA, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Chesterfield, Missouri. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 cargo flight.
Flight Path and ADS-B Data
Preliminary ADS-B data indicated that the airplane departed from runway 26L at Spirit of St. Louis Airport (SUS) in Chesterfield, Missouri, at about 0021:51. Following departure, the airplane entered a modified right traffic pattern for the departure runway. During this time, the airplane's altitude varied between about 500 ft msl and 850 ft msl. The final ADS-B data point was recorded at 0023:57. The accident site was located approximately 46 ft southwest of that final data point.
Wreckage and Impact Details
The airplane came to rest upright about 1,696 ft east of the runway 26L arrival threshold and about 52 ft north of the runway centerline. The airframe structural components—including the fuselage, wings, empennage, and engines—were in position relative to a structurally intact airplane. A post-impact fire ensued, consuming the inboard portion of the left wing, the entire right wing, and a majority of the fuselage. The right horizontal stabilizer and the right side of the vertical stabilizer and rudder were damaged by the fire.
Two ground depressions immediately east of the airplane were consistent with the landing gear being extended at the time of impact. An area of burned vegetation extended about 300 ft from the wreckage and was approximately 50 ft wide.
Investigation Status
The investigation is ongoing at this time. No probable cause has been determined.