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Airframe Failure Leads to Crash of Twin-Engine Aircraft Near Cheshire (C-GHUN)

Chesire, United States of AmericaFlight

On December 22, 1977, a Rockwell Aero Commander 520 (registration C-GHUN) operated by Private Canada was involved in an aviation accident near Chesire, United States of America in flight. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Airframe failure in flight and uncontrolled descent following improper in-flight decisions. Contributing factors: Exceeded designed stress limits of aircraft, Inadequate preflight preparation, Icing conditions including sleet, freezing rain, Airframe ice,… 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 report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft en route from Portland to Sacramento suffered an airframe failure in marginal weather, crashing near Cheshire, Oregon. All seven occupants were killed.

Accident Overview

While cruising at altitude during a flight from Portland, Oregon to Sacramento, California in marginal weather conditions, a twin-engine aircraft experienced an airframe failure. The aircraft entered a dive and subsequently crashed in a field near Cheshire, northwest of Eugene, Oregon. The accident resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and the death of all seven occupants.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be an airframe failure in flight and an uncontrolled descent following improper in-flight decisions. The following contributing factors were reported:

  • Exceeded designed stress limits of aircraft
  • Inadequate preflight preparation
  • Icing conditions including sleet, freezing rain
  • Airframe ice
  • Improperly loaded aircraft, weight and balance and center of gravity
  • Separation in flight
  • Visibility less than two miles
  • Approximately 790 lbs over maximum gross weight at takeoff
  • Aircraft not equipped with anti-icing/deicing equipment
IcingStructural failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Dec 1977 Rockwell Aero Commander 520 accident near Chesire, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft en route from Portland to Sacramento suffered an airframe failure in marginal weather, crashing near Cheshire, Oregon. All seven occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Dec 1977 Rockwell Aero Commander 520 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Dec 1977 involved a Rockwell Aero Commander 520, registration C-GHUN, operated by Private Canada, at Chesire, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Airframe failure in flight and uncontrolled descent following improper in-flight decisions. Contributing factors: Exceeded designed stress limits of aircraft, Inadequate preflight preparation, Icing conditions including sleet, freezing rain, Airframe ice, Improperly loaded aircraft, W&B and CofG, Separation in…

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