Santee - Calexico

On June 7, 1974 at 11:18 AM, Santee - Calexico experienced a crash involving Rockwell Aero Commander 520, operated by Varbus Enterprises, with the event recorded near Santee-Gillespie Field California.

The flight was categorized as private and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) 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. Shortly after takeoff from Santee-Gillespie Field, while climbing, the twin engine airplane flew into clouds. The pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive and crashed in flames. Both occupants were killed.

Aircraft reference details include registration N719Z, MSN 520-41, year of manufacture 1953.