Rockwell Aero Commander 500 crash, Sep 24, 1980 (2 killed)
Rockwell Aero Commander 500 accident on September 24, 1980 near Santa Maria, California, United States with 2 fatalities. Cause: Controlled collision...
- Date: September 24, 1980
- Aircraft: Rockwell Aero Commander 500
- Location: Santa Maria, California, United States
- Fatalities: 2
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: Controlled collision with terrain on final approach after the pilot attempted an operation beyond his experience and ability, with improper IFR operation in low ceiling and fog.
On 24 September 1980 an Aero Commander 500B (N6206X) flying Burbank to Santa Maria in poor weather struck a mountain slope about six miles from Santa Maria during a second ILS approach. The pilot had misjudged his altitude in fog and reduced visibility. Both occupants were killed and the aircraft was destroyed.