Ground accident of a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 in Treasure Cay: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 10, 1995 at 1430 LT
Registration:
N89M
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Treasure Cay – West Palm Beach
MSN:
500-0659-18
YOM:
1958
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
On July 10, 1995, about 1430 eastern daylight time, an Aero Commander 500, N89M, registered to Candy Yellow Apple, Inc., leased to and operated by Palm Beach Aviation, experienced separation of a propeller blade during the ground roll to takeoff from the Treasure Cay Airport, Treasure Cay, Bahamas. The nonscheduled, international, passenger flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 135. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a VFR flight plan was filed for the flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the airline transport- rated pilot and five passengers were not injured. One passenger was fatally injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Probable cause:
The pilot stated that after applying full power to takeoff during the ground roll, he heard a loud sound then aborted the takeoff. Examination of the airplane revealed that 1 of the 2 propeller blades from the right propeller separated from the propeller hub and penetrated the cabin.

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 in the Atlantic Ocean

Date & Time: Aug 4, 1991 at 1722 LT
Registration:
N3840C
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Walker Cay - West Palm Beach
MSN:
500-698
YOM:
1958
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2310
Captain / Total hours on type:
296.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7089
Circumstances:
While in level flight the pilot reported both engines failed and all attempts to restart them were unsuccessful. The pilot then ditched the airplane in the ocean, and it sank and was not recovered. The pilot and three passengers were rescued 2 days later. According to fuel consumption estimates there should have been adequate fuel for the entire flight and a reserve.
Probable cause:
An inflight loss of power of both engines for undetermined reasons followed by a ditching in the ocean.
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680V off Bridgeport: 1 killed

Date & Time: Sep 3, 1984 at 2008 LT
Registration:
N100CT
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
West Palm Beach - Bridgeport
MSN:
680-1618-50
YOM:
1966
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
7000
Circumstances:
The aircraft descended into the water six and 1/2 miles southwest of Bridgeport, CT. The aircraft was on an ILS approach to runway 06. The aircraft was in communication with NY tracon arrival radar and on his initial call had indicated a desire for a clearance direct to Bridgeport. A brief radio exchange resulted in the desired clearance. There was no indication of any problems or low fuel state in the communication. Approximately 15 minutes after initial call, the controller was giving the final approach instructions to N100CT, after having used some turns and changes in airspeed to space the flight behind landing traffic, when radar and radio contact was lost. Post accident fuel calculations based on fuel aboard vs flight time en route and normal fuel consumption showed approximately 6 gallons of fuel remaining. The normal unusable fuel for this aircraft is 13 gallons which increases during maneuvering. Identifiable parts of the aircraft and some paper documents were recovered by the coast guard. The pilot's body was not recovered.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent
Findings
1. (f) weather condition - low ceiling
2. (c) preflight planning/preparation - inadequate - pilot in command
3. (f) terrain condition - water, rough
4. (c) fuel supply - inadequate - pilot in command
5. (c) emergency procedure - not performed - pilot in command
6. (c) radio communications - inadequate - pilot in command
Final Report:

Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 off Treasure Cay

Date & Time: May 17, 1979 at 1715 LT
Registration:
N3836C
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Treasure Cay - Andros Town
MSN:
500-756
YOM:
1959
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
3770
Captain / Total hours on type:
1077.00
Circumstances:
During initial climb at Treasure Cay Airport, one of the engine failed. Unable to maintain a positive rate of climb, the airplane struck trees and lost height. The pilot decided to ditch the airplane into the sea, less than two km northeast of the airfield. The pilot was slightly injured and the airplane was lost.
Probable cause:
Engine failure during initial climb and subsequent ditching for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Failed to follow approved procedures,
- Improper emergency procedures,
- Complete engine failure,
- Hit trees near runway after engine failure.
Final Report: