CEN26LA220

On June 6, 2026, at 0900 central daylight time, an Aero Commander, N27007, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident in Fabens, Texas. The private pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that the engine run-up prior to takeoff and the subsequent takeoff roll were normal. About 30 seconds after liftoff, he noticed that the airplane was unable to maintain a climb rate, and the airspeed was quickly decreasing. He then reduced the airplane pitch attitude. While the airplane was about 300 to 500 ft above the ground, he verified that the throttle, mixture, and propeller controls were fully forward, and the auxiliary fuel pump was still. He located a field to attempt a forced landing and then extended the landing gear. During the forced landing to a field, the airplane touched down hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage. The airplane was retained for further examination.