Van Nuys – Helendale

On March 19, 1971 at 11:45 AM, Van Nuys – Helendale experienced a crash involving Rockwell Aero Commander 560, operated by World West Aviation, with the event recorded near Helendale California.

The flight was categorized as test and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

2 people were known to be on board, 2 fatalities were recorded, 0 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 100.0%.

Crew on board: 1, crew fatalities: 1, passengers on board: 1, passenger fatalities: 1, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. While on approach to Helendale Airport, the twin engine aircraft speed was too low. The left wing dropped and the airplane dove into the ground and crashed in flames. Both occupants were killed. They were completing an electrical chute device drop test from Van Nuys Airport.

Aircraft reference details include registration N2727B, MSN 560-227, year of manufacture 1955.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 34.7405°, -117.3303°.