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.
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
An X-AIR HAWK ultralight crashed in Chonburi, Thailand, killing the pilot and injuring a passenger. The accident was caused by deteriorated wing fabric and…
A Challenger II Special ultralight aircraft (U-B23) landed off-runway at Pai Airport, Mae Hong Son, on September 17, 2024, due to a gust of wind. No injuries…
The Polish aviation safety authority is investigating a serious incident involving an AT-3R100 aircraft that occurred on September 2, 2024. The investigation…
A SZD-48-3 glider suffered damage when its left wing struck a ground obstacle during a low final approach at EPWK on June 20, 2025. The pilot was uninjured.
A 39-year-old skydiver died after a hard landing near Leszno on May 1, 2026. The PKBWL preliminary report indicates the fatal impact resulted from a late,…
A student pilot crashed an SZD-50-3 Puchacz glider into the airfield fence during a solo training flight on June 6, 2026. The pilot was uninjured, but the…