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June 2, 2014 · Aero Commander Callair A 9B B · N7292V

Gardiner, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 2, 2014
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Gardiner, MT
Aircraft
Aero Commander Callair A 9B B (1969)
Tail Number
N7292V
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR14LA220

The commercial pilot was conducting an agricultural application flight. The pilot reported that, during departure, the airplane was unable to maintain a positive climb rate, so he decided to conduct a forced landing on a grass field. During the landing roll, the airplane's wing struck terrain, and the airplane subsequently came to rest inverted. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident weight and balance calculations determined that, at the time of the accident, the airplane exceeded its maximum gross weight limitation. Further, the density altitude was calculated to be 5,661 ft mean sea level. It is likely that the combined effects of the airplane being over its gross weight and the high-density altitude degraded the airplane's climb performance.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and his subsequent takeoff with the airplane over its allowable gross weight in high density altitude conditions, which degraded the airplane’s climb performance and led to a subsequent forced landing.

Full Narrative

On June 2, 2014, about 0930, mountain daylight time, an Aero Commander, Callair A-9B, N7292V, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing shortly after departure from the Gardiner Airport (29S) Gardiner, Montana. The commercial pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was registered to Nardin and Nardin Co., and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot reported that the airplane's climb rate was not sufficient after takeoff and he decided to perform an emergency landing on a grass field. During the landing sequence, the airplane's wing struck terrain and subsequently the airplane came to rest inverted. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to the airplane's fuselage and wings. The airplane was recovered to a secure storage facility for further examination. Additional examination revealed that the engine was separated from the airframe by the engine mount. The engine case was breeched on top of the area where the front cylinders attach. All the rocker covers were removed and the cylinder overhead areas were lubricated and unremarkable. The cylinders were removed and each combustion chamber was examined. The inspection of the internal areas of the cylinders revealed normal operational conditions. All engine accessories were examined and no anomalies were observed. The top sparkplugs were removed and all the sparkplug electrodes exhibited normal wear signatures when compared to the Champion Check-A-Plug comparison chart The two-bladed propeller remained attached to the crankshaft flange. Both blades were bent aft about mid-span and twisted. Marks and abrasions were observed on the blades that were chord-wise in direction. The postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. According to an FAA sponsored performance study of the airplane, the maximum gross weight limitation for flight was 3,000 pounds. The take-off gross weight was calculated by the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC), using the empty weight of the airplane, the reported weight of the occupant, 40 gallons of fuel, 12 quarts of oil, and 1600 pounds of chemical. The calculated gross weight at the time of departure was about 3,881 pounds, which exceeded the maximum gross weight limitation. Utilizing the weather conditions at the nearing reporting station, the density altitude was calculated by the IIC to be about 5,661 feet mean seal level, for the departure time of the accident flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 MDT
Nearest AirportGARDINER (1nm N)
Runway28
Runway Length3200 ft
Runway Width55 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAero Commander Callair A 9B B
Tail NumberN7292V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540 SER · Reciprocating · 310
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 39 C
Altimeter30.15 inHg
Observation Time15:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data