4 fatalities

1993-07-30: Rockwell Grand Commander 690 (N707BP) — Motel Developers Inc. — Norfolk-Karl Stefan, United States of America

Norfolk-Karl Stefan, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 30, 1993, a Rockwell Grand Commander 690 (registration N707BP) operated by Motel Developers Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Norfolk-Karl Stefan, United States of America during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilots of the Rockwell 690A, N707BP, and the Piper PA28R, N33056, to see and avoid each other. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781209783Data APIEditorial standards

A Rockwell 690A (N707BP) and a Piper PA-28R (N33056) collided midair about 2 miles east-southeast of a non-controlled airport. All six occupants were killed.

Overview

The accident involved a Rockwell 690A, registration N707BP, and a Piper PA-28R, registration N33056. The collision occurred approximately 2 miles east-southeast of a non-controlled airport.

Sequence of Events

The Rockwell 690A was flying a straight-in entry to a downwind leg for runway 19 at the airport. The only radio call heard from the Rockwell was a request for an airport advisory when it was about 20 miles southeast. The Piper PA-28R had departed from runway 19. No radio calls were heard from the Piper.

Witnesses observed the Rockwell heading north and the Piper heading east moments before the collision. They stated that the Piper pitched up and banked steeply moments before the collision.

Collision Evidence

On-scene investigation showed that the Piper's left main landing gear tire had made an imprint on the bottom of the Rockwell's outboard left wing. Paint color from the Rockwell had transferred to the Piper's left wing skin.

Fatalities

All six people in both aircraft were killed.

Probable cause

The failure of the pilots of the Rockwell 690A, N707BP, and the Piper PA28R, N33056, to see and avoid each other. A factor which contributed to the accident was the failure of both pilot's to follow recommended communication procedures contained in the airman's information manual for operating at an airport without an operating control tower.