Were there any fatalities in the 1963-04-27 Rockwell Aero Commander 680 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1963-04-27 involved a Rockwell Aero Commander 680, registration CF-OJL, operated by Richard Parmley, at Penticton, Canada.

1963-04-27: Rockwell Aero Commander 680 (CF-OJL) — Richard Parmley — Penticton, Canada

7 fatalitiesPenticton, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

A mid-air collision between a twin-engine airplane and a Cessna 140 resulted in the deaths of all eight people on board during an approach to Penticton Airport.

What happened

During the late afternoon, a twin-engine aircraft, registration CF-OJL, was performing its final approach to Runway 34 at Penticton Airport. The flight was returning to the airport following a recreational trip with one pilot and six passengers on board. During this descent, the aircraft collided with a Cessna 140, registered CF-GIH, which was being operated by a pilot completing a solo flight.

The impact caused the tail section of the CF-OJL to separate from the main fuselage. Following the structural failure, the aircraft entered a steep 60-degree nose-down dive and struck Skaha Lake a few kilometers south of the airport. The impact resulted in an explosion before the wreckage sank beneath the surface. The Cessna 140 also crashed into the lake and was destroyed during the accident.

All eight individuals involved in the two aircraft—the crew and passengers from both planes—were killed in the crash.

Findings

The collision occurred while the larger aircraft was on final approach to the runway.
The impact with the Cessna 140 caused a structural failure of the tail section on the twin-engine airplane.

Probable cause

A mid-air collision between a twin-engine aircraft and a solo-flight Cessna 140 led to the loss of both aircraft.