# NTSB LAX87DVG05: Aero Commander S2R, N5644X, Gridley, CA, April 27, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: April 27, 1987, 08:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Gridley, CA
- Coordinates: 39.349906, -121.759628 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3499&lon=-121.7596&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25342
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87DVG05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25342/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DVG05

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff
  - fuel system,pump - failure,total (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ON TAKEOFF FROM A FARMER'S FIELD THE AIRCRAFT'S ENGINE LOST POWER. THE AIRCRAFT WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR A LEVEE, STRUCK THE LEVEE AND CAME TO REST IN A RICE FIELD. THE AIRCRAFT'S FUEL PUMP WAS REMOVED AND TESTED. AFTER ONE MINUTE OF OPERATION THE PUMP PRESSURE DECREASED TO BELOW MINIMUM OPERATING LIMITS. NO OTHER PREIMPACT MALFUNCTIONS/FAILURES WERE FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5644X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5644X), registered now, S/N 1844R, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER S2R
- Registry model: [Aero Commander S2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-s2r) (registry code 0143022) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1844R
- Airframe hours: 4000
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: George A. Nock, doing business as Aeronock, Inc.
- Registered owner: Aeronock, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 31, 1987, 32 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, expired; seat: center; flight hours: 10,000 total, 2,000 in this make and model, 10,000 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 32 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## 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 19870427011989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870427011989A), Apr 27, 1987: Ayres S2RR1340REST, Gridley, CA, Substantial damage. The aircraft struck a levee on takeoff after the engine lost power. The fuel pump was found to be malfunctioning.

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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