2 fatalities

Wing Separation During Acrobatic Maneuver Leads to Collision with Trees (N9379R)

White Mills, United States of AmericaFlight

On December 16, 1993, a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 (registration N9379R) operated by Raff Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near White Mills, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fracture and separation of the airplane wing, and the subsequent loss of control and collision with trees, as a result of the pilot's repeated performance of acrobatic maneuvers, which exceeded the design limits of the airplane. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

Witnesses observed an airplane in a rolling maneuver before its left wing separated and it collided with trees. The pilot had performed acrobatics previously, despite the flight manual prohibiting such maneuvers. No corrosion or fatigue was found in the wing structure.

Incident Overview

An airplane was observed by witnesses executing a rolling maneuver in flight. During this maneuver, the left wing separated from the aircraft. Subsequently, the airplane collided with trees. Witnesses reported that the pilot had performed acrobatic maneuvers in the same airplane on prior occasions.

Flight Manual Restrictions

The airplane's flight manual explicitly prohibits intentional acrobatic maneuvers. Despite this restriction, the pilot engaged in aerobatic flight.

Wing Structure Examination

Following the accident, investigators examined the wing spar and support structures. No evidence of corrosion or material fatigue was found in these components.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause is the fracture and separation of the airplane wing, and the subsequent loss of control and collision with trees, as a result of the pilot's repeated performance of acrobatic maneuvers, which exceeded the design limits of the airplane.