# NTSB ERA23FA239: Commander 114TC, N6042E, Palm City, FL, May 21, 2023 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report - Date: May 21, 2023, 15:30 local (19:30 UTC) - Place: Palm City, FL · horse field - Coordinates: 27.152796, -80.336658 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.1528&lon=-80.3367&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO, Lycoming Engines - NTSB case key (mKey): 192205 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA23FA239 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/192205/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=192205 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA239 ## Probable cause A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot’s subsequent loss of control, which resulted in impact with terrain. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Not determined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000): Not determined › Not determined · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Commander 114TC, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=0145002), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240); cases with it: [Commander 114TC, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=0145002), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) (defining event); cases with it: [Commander 114TC, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=0145002), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) ## Analysis An eyewitness observed the accident airplane flying at low altitude before the engine made an unusual noise and stopped producing power, after which the airplane entered a descending turn to the ground. The airplane was mostly consumed by a post-impact fire. The wreckage was located about 700 yards north of an airport runway, and it could not be determined if the airplane was departing or arriving at that airport when the accident occurred. Examination of the engine revealed normal compression, ignition, and fuel system function. Although the airplane’s fuel quantity at the time of the accident could not be determined due to fire damage, no blockages or anomalies were found with the remaining components of the fuel system. Examination of the wreckage confirmed flight control continuity and found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure. Toxicological results indicated that the pilot had used a cannabis product; however, without delta-9-THC or the psychoactive metabolite of delta-9-THC detected in blood, it is unlikely that the pilot was experiencing significant impairing acute psychoactive effects of cannabis at the time of the accident. Although the circumstances of the accident are consistent with a loss of engine power, the reason for the loss of power could not be determined, as postaccident examination did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or anomaly. The descending turn before impact as described by the witness was consistent with an aerodynamic stall and loss of control, likely as a result of the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed following the loss of engine power. ## Factual narrative On May 21, 2023, about 1530 eastern daylight time, a Commander 114TC airplane, N6042E, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Palm City, Florida. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. An eyewitness near the accident site reported that she saw the airplane flying at a low altitude over the trees. The witness noted that the engine sounded normal; however, as the airplane approached, the engine made a strange noise and abruptly stopped. The airplane entered a descending turn and impacted the ground before sliding to a stop in a small ditch. After impact, the airplane caught fire, and the cockpit became engulfed in flames. Despite the efforts of bystanders, the pilot could not be extricated from the airplane. Emergency services arrived shortly thereafter and extinguished the fire. An autopsy of the pilot was performed by the District 19 Medical Examiner. According to the autopsy report, the cause of death was blunt force injuries, and the manner of death was accident. FAA toxicology testing detected 11-hydroxy-THC in urine at 3.5 ng/mL and did not detect 11-hydroxy-THC in heart blood. Carboxy-delta-9-THC was detected in heart blood at 4.4 ng/dL and in urine at 22.6 ng/mL. 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-delta-9-THC: 11-hydroxy-THC is a psychoactive metabolite of delta-9-THC. Carboxy-delta-9-THC is a non-psychoactive metabolite of delta-9-THC. Delta-9-THC (which was not detected in this case) is the primary psychoactive chemical in cannabis, including marijuana, hashish, and other cannabis products such as extracts and edibles. Cannabis may be inhaled or ingested recreationally by users seeking mind-altering effects. The specific psychoactive effects of delta-9-THC vary depending on the user, user history of use, dose consumed, and route of consumption. Effects of cannabis use may impair motor coordination, worsen reaction time, impair decision making and problem solving, distort perceptions of reality, and decrease vigilance. The wreckage was located about 700 yards north of the departure end of runway 36 at Naked Lady Ranch Airport (64FA), Stuart, Florida. All flight control surfaces were accounted for at the accident site. The cockpit and fuselage sustained damage due to impact and the post-impact fire. The flight control cables remained exposed but intact, connected to their respective flight control surfaces and bellcranks. Flight control continuity was established throughout the flight control system. The left and right wings were impact- and fire- damaged, while the vertical and horizontal stabilizers remained intact. The rudder and elevators exhibited signs of soot from the ground fire. The fuel selector was found in the right tank position and was tested using forced air. All fuel selector positions were checked, and the detent on the selector operated properly. No anomalies were noted with the fuel selector. The amount of fuel each fuel tankcould not be determined due to the fire damage of the fuel tanks. The engine remained attached to the engine mounts and displayed evidence of fire damage. It was equipped with a three-blade propeller. One blade appeared undamaged, while another exhibited chordwise scoring and a bent tip. The third blade was bent aft beneath the fuselage of the airplane. The examination of the engine revealed continuous valvetrain continuity throughout the engine and accessory components when the crankshaft was rotated 720°. Compression was observed in all cylinders. An unquantified amount of oil leakage was noted from the engine due to the impact-damaged oil supply lines. The spark plugs appeared normal and did not exhibit any signs of malfunction. The magnetos were removed and their input drives rotated, producing spark on all terminals. The propeller governor oil screen was free of debris. Both vacuum pumps were removed and displayed damage from impact and heat. The fuel pump was removed and tested, demonstrating continuous fuel pumping as the input shaft was rotated. The fuel injectors were inspected and showed no signs of clogging. A trace amount of fuel was found within the fuel divider. The fuel inlet screen was removed from the fuel injection servo and found to be free and clear of debris. Both turbine wheels of the turbocharger system were found undamaged and spun freely when rotated by hand. No debris was present on the inlet side. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6042E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6042E), registered now, S/N 20030, built 2000 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: COMMANDER AIRCRAFT CO 114TC (NO SERIES) - Registry model: [Commander 114TC](https://openairdocs.org/model/commander-114tc) (registry code 0145002) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 20030 - Year built: 2000 - Airframe hours: 1302 - Engines: Lycoming TIO-540-AG1A 270 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, February 20, 2023 - Destination: Same as departure - Airport: 64FA, Naked Lady Ranch Airport - Equipment: Unknown ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 69; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,437 total, 168 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 90° at 12 knots, gusting 16 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 72 °F - Altimeter: 29.93 inHg - Observed at: SUA, 6 nm away - METAR: METAR KSUA 211948Z 09012G16KT 10SM FEW030 30/22 A2993 ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20230521008669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20230521008669A), May 21, 2023: Commander Aircraft Co 114TC, Palm City, FL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Part 91 operation 2000 Commander aircraft 114TC, [privacy data omitted], serial number 20030, with loss of engine power crashed 2200 feet north end of naked… ## Docket (8 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 4, 2025, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=192205. 63.9 MB in all. - Memorandum for record - witness interview (item 1, PDF, 1 page, 68 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18746650&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=MFR%20witness%20summary%20FA239-Rel.pdf - Maintenance records (item 2, PDF, 17 pages, 47.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18747237&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=MX%20logbook%20excerpts%20FA239_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Pilot logbook excerpts (item 3, PDF, 13 pages, 11.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18771784&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Pilot%20logbooks%20excerpts%20FA239_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Wreckage examination summary (item 4, PDF, 6 pages, 169 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18770278&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=NTSB%20Examination%20Summary%20FA239%20v2-Rel.pdf - Toxicological report (item 5, PDF, 1 page, 162 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18747454&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Tox%20report%20FA239_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Investigative photos (item 6, PDF, 8 pages, 3.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18747956&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Investigative%20Photos%20FA239-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 7, PDF, 2 pages, 124 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18747212&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Retention-Release-of-Wreckage-Form%20FA239_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation (item 8, PDF, 10 pages, 268 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18775185&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Certification%20of%20Party%20Representative%20FA239%20DH_Redacted-Rel.pdf From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.