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.