Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) crash, Dec 5, 1976 (5 killed)
Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) accident on December 5, 1976 near Santa Ana-John Wayne California, United States with 5 fatalities.
- Date: December 5, 1976
- Aircraft: Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601)
- Location: Santa Ana-John Wayne California, United States
- Fatalities: 5
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
A Ted Smith Aerostar on final approach to Santa Ana John Wayne Airport lost its left engine at low altitude. The propeller was not feathered and the aircraft spun into the ground in Costa Mesa, about 2.5 miles short of the runway. All five occupants were killed.