Zone

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 520 in Lucerne Valley

Date & Time: Nov 2, 1986 at 1000 LT
Registration:
N70FM
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Schedule:
Corona - Corona
MSN:
520-147
YOM:
1954
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
700
Captain / Total hours on type:
200.00
Circumstances:
During a pleasure flight, the pilot reported that the right engine caught on fire. The pilot made a landing on dry lake bed and disembarked from the plane examination of the wreckage revealed that the path of the landing roll showed no signs of melted metal or debris. There was a large fuel stain visible around the remains of the right wing, right engine and right cowling. The engine components and accessories showed moderate heat distress with no evidence of a blow torch effect. The right wing fuel sump drain valve was located inside a cup of melted aliminum and was in the open position.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: fire
Phase of operation: standing
Findings
1. (f) fuel system, drain - open
2. (c) reason for occurrence undetermined
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell 680W Turbo Commander II in Lucerne Valley

Date & Time: Nov 11, 1978 at 0300 LT
Registration:
N94HD
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Schedule:
San Diego - Las Vegas
MSN:
680-1811-28
YOM:
1968
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
5420
Captain / Total hours on type:
1105.00
Circumstances:
While in cruising altitude on a flight from San Diego to Las Vegas, the pilot suffered physical impairment. The airplane crashed in a desert area near Lucerne Valley. The pilot was seriously injured and the aircraft was written off.
Probable cause:
Controlled collision with ground after the pilot suffered in-flight physical impairment. Two micrograms per milliliter of benzodiazepine found in his blood sample.
Final Report: