On March 29, 1969, a Rockwell Aero Commander 560 (registration N2761B) operated by Beaudoin Steul was involved in an aviation accident near Crossville, United States of America in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was probably caused by the combination of the following factors: the pilot attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment; the pilot failed to obtain/maintain flying speed; icing conditions including sleet, freezing rain; turbulences… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
While cruising in poor weather, the pilot lost control, causing the aircraft to dive and crash in an explosion. All five occupants were killed. Probable cause includes icing and pilot error.
Incident Description
The accident occurred while the aircraft was at cruising altitude in poor weather conditions. The pilot lost control, causing the airplane to enter a dive. The dive lasted a few dozen seconds before the aircraft crashed with a massive explosion. All five occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause was a combination of factors: the pilot attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment; the pilot failed to obtain or maintain flying speed; icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain; turbulence associated with clouds and thunderstorms; airframe ice; carburetor ice; and the pilot entered known icing conditions without propeller or airframe de-icing systems on the aircraft.
These findings highlight the operational decisions and environmental conditions that led to the loss of control and subsequent crash.
What happened in the 29 Mar 1969 Rockwell Aero Commander 560 accident near Crossville, United States of America?
While cruising in poor weather, the pilot lost control, causing the aircraft to dive and crash in an explosion. All five occupants were killed. Probable cause includes icing and pilot error.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Mar 1969 Rockwell Aero Commander 560 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Mar 1969 involved a Rockwell Aero Commander 560, registration N2761B, operated by Beaudoin Steul, at Crossville, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The accident was probably caused by the combination of the following factors: the pilot attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment; the pilot failed to obtain/maintain flying speed; icing conditions including sleet, freezing rain; turbulences associated with clouds and thunderstorms; airframe ice; ice…
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…