# NTSB FTW82DA265: Aero Commander 100, N3780X, Dekalb, TX, July 4, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 4, 1982, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Dekalb, TX
- Coordinates: 33.500396, -94.609947 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5004&lon=-94.6099&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 4, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70434
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82DA265
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70434/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA265

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - ignition system,magneto - deteriorated (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - fence (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT LOST POWER DURING A LOCAL FLIGHT AND ATTEMPTED A LANDING ON A HIGHWAY. CONTROL WAS LOST AND AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A FENCE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LANDED DOWNWIND. POST ACCIDENT CHECK SHOWED 125 MAG DROP ON BOTH MAGS AND A MAXIMUM STATIC OF 2350.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3780X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3780X-2012-11-13), registration cancelled 2012-11-13, S/N 273, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER 100
- Registry model: [Aero Commander 100](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-100) (registry code 0140202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 273
- Airframe hours: 2258
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kenneth L. Kirkham
- Registered owner: Kenneth L. Kirkham
- Departed: MT. PLEASANT, TX
- Destination: MT. PLEASANT, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 131 total, 62 in this make and model, 62 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 196 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TXK, 30 nm away

## 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 19820704028199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820704028199A), Jul 4, 1982: Slinds 100ACMDR, Dekalb, TX, Substantial damage. Crash occurred during emergency landing. Pilot claims engine lost power but engine checked normal.

## Other investigations on N3780X (1)

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.

- [NTSB MKC71DCJ48](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC71DCJ48), Feb 17, 1971: Aero Cmdr 100 (N3780X), Columbus, NE, substantial damage

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.

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