1 fatality

1979-07-21: Rockwell Aero Commander 560 (N2748B) — Private United States of America — Pavilion, United States of America

Pavilion, United States of AmericaFlight

On July 21, 1979, a Rockwell Aero Commander 560 (registration N2748B) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Pavilion, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure and subsequent stall after the left engine failed due to valve assemblies failure. The following contributing factors were reported: - Material failure, - The pilot failed to maintain flying speed, - High vegetation, - Forced landing off… 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 reportUpdated 1781225016Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot died when his aircraft banked right and crashed after an engine failure during a local air show. The official investigation cited a left engine failure due to valve assembly issues.

Accident Overview

A pilot, the sole occupant of an aircraft, was participating in a local air show when the accident occurred. During low-level flight, the airplane banked to the right and subsequently crashed. The right engine had failed prior to the impact. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries.

Official Findings

The investigation determined the probable cause to be an engine failure and subsequent stall after the left engine failed due to valve assemblies failure. Contributing factors included material failure, the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed, high vegetation, a forced landing off airport on land, and a failed exhaust valve on the second cylinder of the right engine.

Sequence of Events

While flying at a low height as part of the air show, the pilot experienced a failure of the right engine. The aircraft then banked right and crashed. The investigation later revealed that the left engine had also failed, leading to a stall. The precise timeline of the engine failures was not detailed in the report.

Investigation Details

The official report highlighted several contributing factors. Material failure was noted, specifically a failed exhaust valve on the second cylinder of the right engine. The pilot did not maintain adequate flying speed, which, combined with the engine failures, resulted in a stall. The aircraft then made a forced landing off airport on land, with high vegetation present at the site.

Conclusion

The accident was the result of multiple failures. The right engine failed initially, followed by the left engine due to valve assembly problems. The pilot's inability to maintain flying speed and the challenging terrain further contributed to the outcome.