Aero Commander 100 accident near Ocotillo Wells, CA
On May 4, 1994, an Aero Commander 100 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Ocotillo Wells, CA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- May 4, 1994
- Place
- Ocotillo Wells, CA
- Aircraft
- Aero Commander 100 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 32.720°N, 115.879°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001206X01311
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On May 4, 1994, at 1228 Pacific daylight time, an Aero Commander 100, N3661X, was destroyed by impact and postcrash fire while in the traffic pattern at Ocotillo Wells, California. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot and was on a solo personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions were prevalent at the time and no flight plan had been filed for the operation. The certificated private pilot sustained fatal injuries. The flight originated from the Ocotillo Wells airport at 1225 on the day of the accident. According to witnesses, the pilot had experienced engine problems with the accident aircraft while flying in the vicinity of Ocotillo Wells airport sometime between the 6th and 13th of April, 1994. As a result, he terminated his flight and parked the aircraft at the airport. Reportedly believing the carburetor to be the source of his engine problem and, with the aid of an A&P mechanic, he removed it from the aircraft for repair. The pilot took the carburetor to an A&P mechanic, who was willing to do the work. The A&P mechanic reported that it showed signs of rust and scale which, in his opinion, was evidence that the aircraft was being flown infrequently. Again, according to witnesses, the pilot returned to the airport about the 24th of April and, without a licensed mechanic's supervision, reinstalled the carburetor on the engine. After the reinstallation was completed, the pilot performed a ground run-up and the aircraft reportedly ran normally. A witness stated that the pilot did not fly back to Gillespie Field that day because of localize
Probable cause
the failure of the pilot to maintain flying speed after experiencing a partial power failure while maneuvering. A factor in the accident was the failure of the pilot to drain accumulated water from the aircraft fuel system during the preflight inspection.
More accidents in CA
- Douglas MD-83, Feb 1, 2000
- Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-32, Aug 31, 1986
- British Aerospace BAE-146-200, Dec 8, 1987
- Beech C-99, Aug 24, 1984
- Sikorsky S-61N, Aug 6, 2008
Browse: California · Aero Commander aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
