Crash of a Rockwell Aero Commander 685 in Wrens: 5 killed

Date & Time: Aug 14, 1981 at 1211 LT
Registration:
N8007H
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Ocala – Stuart – Beech Mountain
MSN:
685-12048
YOM:
1973
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Captain / Total flying hours:
12000
Captain / Total hours on type:
330.00
Circumstances:
En route from Stuart to Beech Mountain, North Carolina, while in cruising altitude, the twin engine airplane went out of control. It entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed near Wrens, Georgia. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact and all five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent and subsequent crash due to inadequate maintenance and supervision. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Powerplant - exhaust system: stacks, poor weld,
- Air condition, heating and pressurization system: loose, part/fitting, leak/leakage,
- PIlot incapacitation due to hypoxia,
- The aircraft did not flew ATC direction,
- Pilot blood concentration level 32%,
- Exhaust riser failed,
- Bleed-air elbow loose.
Final Report: