On June 7, 1977, a Rockwell Grand Commander 680 (registration N6853S) operated by El Dorado Leasing was involved in an aviation accident near Upland, United States of America during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane crashed after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors: improper in-flight decisions, inadequate preflight preparation, attitude gyro malfunction, low ceiling, fog, low altitude flight in low ceiling… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An airplane crashed into an airport complex after takeoff from Upland-Cable Airport in marginal weather; all five occupants were killed, and four employees on the ground were injured. The pilot had reported gyro problems while cruising in low ceiling conditions.
Accident Overview
Following takeoff from Upland-Cable Airport in marginal weather conditions, the pilot reported problems with the gyro instruments while cruising at low altitude in a low ceiling. The airplane subsequently crashed into an airport complex. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact.
Casualties and Injuries
All five occupants of the airplane were killed. Four employees of the airport complex were injured.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause states that the airplane crashed after the pilot continued visual flight rules (VFR) flight into adverse weather conditions. The following contributing factors were identified: improper in-flight decisions; inadequate preflight preparation; malfunction of the flight and navigation instruments, specifically the attitude gyro; low ceiling; fog; low altitude flight in a low ceiling area; and a declaration by the pilot that the gyros were out, for reasons undetermined.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Jun 1977 Rockwell Grand Commander 680 accident near Upland, United States of America?
An airplane crashed into an airport complex after takeoff from Upland-Cable Airport in marginal weather; all five occupants were killed, and four employees on the ground were injured. The pilot had reported gyro problems while cruising in low ceiling conditions.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Jun 1977 Rockwell Grand Commander 680 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Jun 1977 involved a Rockwell Grand Commander 680, registration N6853S, operated by El Dorado Leasing, at Upland, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The airplane crashed after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors: improper in-flight decisions, inadequate preflight preparation, attitude gyro malfunction, low ceiling, fog, low altitude flight in low ceiling area, pilot declared gyros out, reason undetermined.
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