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Three Occupants Killed, Two Rescued in Approach Accident Near Hammondsport (N40MA)

Hammondsport, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 11, 1978, a Rockwell Shrike Commander 500 (registration N40MA) operated by Mercury Aircraft was involved in an aviation accident near Hammondsport, United States of America during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Stall on final approach after the pilot misjudged distance and altitude and failed to maintain flying speed. The following contributing factors were reported: - Obstructions to vision, - Sunglare, - Haze, - Aircraft was approaching toward rising terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While on approach to Hammondsport-Taylor-Van Gelder Airstrip in excellent weather, the pilot failed to maintain altitude and struck a mountain. Three occupants were killed; two passengers were rescued.

Accident Overview

Aircraft on approach to Hammondsport-Taylor-Van Gelder Airstrip flew into a mountain and crashed several miles from Hammondsport. The weather at the time was reported as excellent. According to the official investigation, the pilot did not realize that the aircraft's altitude was too low. Two passengers were rescued from the wreckage, while three other occupants sustained fatal injuries.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident was determined to be a stall on final approach after the pilot misjudged distance and altitude and failed to maintain flying speed. Contributing factors included obstructions to vision, sunglare, haze, and the aircraft approaching toward rising terrain.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Sept 1978 Rockwell Shrike Commander 500 accident near Hammondsport, United States of America?

While on approach to Hammondsport-Taylor-Van Gelder Airstrip in excellent weather, the pilot failed to maintain altitude and struck a mountain. Three occupants were killed; two passengers were rescued.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Sept 1978 Rockwell Shrike Commander 500 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Sept 1978 involved a Rockwell Shrike Commander 500, registration N40MA, operated by Mercury Aircraft, at Hammondsport, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Stall on final approach after the pilot misjudged distance and altitude and failed to maintain flying speed. The following contributing factors were reported: - Obstructions to vision, - Sunglare, - Haze, - Aircraft was approaching toward rising terrain.

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