Combs FreightAir

Convair T-29

The copilot begun takeoff with 2,700 rpm and 52 to 53.5' of manifold pressure (mp). Water injection was not used although 12 gallons was available. At 150 to 250 feet agl, the left engine lost power and the left propeller auto feathered. The captain took control and took action to verify left engine feathering. Neither pilot moved any of the other engine controls. A turn was initiated to return to the airport, but the aircraft began losing speed and altitude. Subsequently, it crash landed in a partly wooded area short of an open field and burned until firefighting personnel arrived. The impeller was demolished by fire, but evidence of debris from the impeller was found in the left engine intake and on top of its #3 and # 11 piston. The company's stated policy was to use water (wet takeoff), except when precluded by mechanical malfunction or lack of additional fluid; however, 4 dissimilar power charts were found in the aircraft. Takeoff weight was 38,670 lbs. Performance manual showed aircraft capable of 420 fpm climb with 12° of flaps, one prop feathered, landing gear up, dry power (no water). Max power setting was 2,700 rpm and 56' mp for dry takeoff; 2,800 rpm and 59.5' mp for wet takeoff. Both pilots were seriously injured.

Rockwell Aero Commander 500

The pilot said that when he called on the radio prior to the approach for an altimeter setting the reply was '30.11 or 30.12, something like that.' The aircraft altimeter was found after the accident set at 30.22 inches of mercury. The visibility was described as 1 and 1/2 miles in snow showers. He continued the approach 'because minimums are one mile.' He descended outbound to 4,500 feet. Minimum procedure turn alt is 4,700 feet msl. The pilot then descended to 3,700 feet msl as he approached the VOR. Power was reduced to 17-18 inches of manifold pressure and airspeed reduced to 120 knots. As the VOR was crossed he glanced at the altimeter and 'the hands were in the two o'clock position.' Landing gear was extended and approach flaps set. The pilot said all seemed normal. He looked out the window and saw 'wispy clouds going by rapidly. Then there were the sounds of impact.' The next thing remembered was the sound of dripping gasoline. The pilot said he crawled out of the cockpit window and wandered 'for a couple hours trying to chase down the searchlights.'

Rockwell Aero Commander 500

While flying in marginal weather conditions, the pilot failed to realize his altitude was insufficient when the twin engine airplane struck trees and crashed in a mountain shrouded in clouds. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Rockwell Grand Commander 680

On final approach to Phoenix-Sky Harbor Airport, while completing a cargo flight from Las Vegas, both engines lost power. The crew attempted an emergency landing when the airplane lost height and crashed short of runway threshold. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair and both pilots were seriously injured.

Rockwell Aero Commander 500

The pilot, sole on board, was completing a night cargo flight from Helena to Great Falls. On approach, he encountered poor weather conditions when the airplane struck the ground and crashed few miles short of runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was killed. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were below minimums.

Rockwell Aero Commander 500

After his departure from Miles City Airport, while climbing by night over an unlighted area, the pilot was cleared to climb to 6,000 feet. At a relative low altitude and high speed, the left wing outboard section failed and detached. Out of control, the airplane dove into the ground and crashed in a field. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Rockwell Aero Commander 500

Shortly after takeoff from Rochester-Greater Rochester Airport, while climbing by night, the pilot made a low level turn immediately after liftoff. Control was lost and the airplane crashed. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Rockwell Aero Commander 500

During the takeoff roll at Glendive-Dawson County Airport, the pilot encountered engine trouble and decided to abandon the takeoff procedure and attempted an emergency braking manoeuvre. On a runway covered with two inches of snow, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance, overran and came to rest down a bank. Six occupants were injured and a passenger was killed.

Rockwell Aero Commander 500

While on a night mail flight, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions when both engines stopped simultaneously. The pilot attempted an emergency landing when control was lost and the airplane crashed on a 40° slope mountain. SAR operations were conducted but eventually suspended few days later as no trace of the aircraft nor the pilot was found. Mountaineers found the wreckage on March 21, 1969 near Imnaha.