# NTSB SEA85LYE02: Aero Commander 600S-20, N1795S, Pasco, WA, June 18, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 17, 1985, 20:40 local (Jun 18, 1985, 03:40 UTC)
- Place: Pasco, WA
- Coordinates: 46.409397, -118.90036 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.4094&lon=-118.9004&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40256
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LYE02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40256/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LYE02

## Sequence of events

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

- Fire, takeoff - initial climb
  - engine accessories,engine starter - engaged (cause)
- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THIS AERO COMMANDER 600S-20 DEPARTED ON AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE PILOT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, EXPERIENCED A POWER LOSS AND MADE A FORCED LANDING IN SAND DUNES, SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGING THE AIRCRAFT. INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THAT THE MAIN STARTER RELAY HAD NOT RELEASED AND WAS THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1795S (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER 600S-20
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 600-13950
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: Both
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Frank Curtis Cherry Jr., doing business as Eastern Wash. Spraying Svc.
- Registered owner: Maxson Willis H,
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 7, 1985, 20 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 8,878 total, 1,947 in this make and model, 8,354 as pilot in command, 148 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19850617054509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850617054509A), Jun 17, 1985: Ayres 600S2DRESTD, Pasco, WA, Destroyed. Flames from engine exhaust area on takeoff. Power loss with emergency landing. Main starter relay did not disengage

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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