6 fatalities

Crash of Twin-Engine Airplane Near Peoria Airport Kills Six (N78376)

Pekin, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 23, 1972, a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 (registration N78376) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Pekin, United States of America during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control on approach after the pilot suffered a spatial disorientation. The following factors were reported: - Low ceiling, rain and fog, - The pilot was cleared for an ILS approach and was requested to report over the outer marker. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crashed in flames near Pekin, Illinois, while descending to Peoria Airport at night in marginal weather. All six occupants were killed.

Accident Details

On a night with marginal weather conditions, a twin-engine airplane initiated a descent to Peoria Airport. While on final approach, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in flames in Pekin, approximately seven miles southeast of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed by a post-crash fire.

Occupants

The pilot was Joseph Jacob. The passengers were Family Jacob, Mr. & Mrs. Lee Schock. All six occupants were killed.

Contributing Factors

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was loss of control on approach after the pilot suffered spatial disorientation. The following factors were reported: low ceiling, rain and fog. The pilot had been cleared for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach and was requested to report over the outer marker. That report was not recorded by approach control.