# NTSB LAX83LA207: Aero Commander 600 S-2D, N1785S, Gilroy, CA, May 1, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 1, 1983, 07:50 local (14:50 UTC)
- Place: Gilroy, CA
- Coordinates: 37.059066, -121.549781 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0591&lon=-121.5498&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23692
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA207
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23692/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA207

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering - aerial application
  - engine assembly,cylinder - fatigue (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

PRIOR TO TAKEOFF, THE ACFT WAS FULLY FUELED WITH 100 GAL OF AVIATION GASOLINE & WAS LOADED WITH 300 GAL OF NON-TOXIC FUNGICIDAL MIX. THE PLT TOOK OFF, FLEW APRX 5 MI TO A FIELD, AND AFTER CIRCLING OVER THE FIELD, MADE 2 SWATH RUNS. DURING A PROCEDURE TURN AFTER THE 2ND SWATH RUN, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT CRASHED IN A STEEP, NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE. AN INVESTIGAITON REVEALED THAT A PORTION OF THE #5 CYLINDER WAS MISSING & WAS NOT WITH THE MAIN WRECKAGE. A VISUAL EXAM OF THE FRACTURE SURFACE INDICATED EVIDENCE OF FATIGUE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1785S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1785S-2012-07-30), registration cancelled 2012-07-30, S/N 600-1406D, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER 600 S-2D
- Registry model: [Aero Commander 600 S-2D](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-600-s-2d) (registry code 0143010) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 600-1406D
- Airframe hours: 6000
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Shelton Cropdusting, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, December 8, 1982, 80 hours before
- Departed: Q99, SAN MARTIN, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 540 total, 132 in this make and model, 450 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SJC, 28 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 19830501016769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830501016769A), May 1, 1983: Ayres 600S2DNORMAL, Gilroy, CA, Substantial damage. Engine failed during procedure turn and pilot unable to make emergency landing, resulting in uncontrolled crash.

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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