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2 fatalities

Two Killed in Illegal Nighttime Landing Crash in LaBelle (N777A)

LaBelle, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 2, 1981, a Rockwell Aero Commander 680 (registration N777A) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near LaBelle, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft stalled on final approach after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. Contributing factors were inadequate preflight preparation, improperly loaded aircraft, dark night, center of gravity in front of forward limit, and approximately 1,100… 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crashed during an illegal night landing on a road near LaBelle, killing both occupants. Probable cause was a stall on final approach due to insufficient flying speed, with contributing factors including drug contraband.

Accident Details

A twin-engine airplane crashed while attempting to land on a road near LaBelle during dark night conditions. The flight was illegal. Both occupants were killed. The aircraft was found with approximately 1,100 lbs of quaalude pills on board.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause was that the aircraft stalled on final approach after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. Contributing factors included inadequate preflight preparation, an improperly loaded aircraft, dark night conditions, a center of gravity in front of the forward limit, and approximately 1,100 lbs of quaalude pills found on board.

Aerodynamic stall

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Same operator

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