Hayward - Hayward

On May 19, 1994 at 05:54 PM, Hayward - Hayward experienced a crash involving Rockwell Aero Commander 500, operated by Michelle M. Mellor, with the event recorded near Livermore California.

The flight was categorized as private and the reported phase was flight at a plain, valley crash site.

4 people were known to be on board, 4 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: 3, passenger fatalities: 3, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. The aircraft had not flown for 2 years. Before flight, a mechanic saw evidence of fuel leaking at drain holes in the left wing root, just aft of the main cabin door. He brought this to the attention of the pilotrated passenger, who shortly thereafter, departed in the aircraft with the pilot (pic), the aircraft owner and a passenger/mechanic. About 14 minutes after takeoff, radar data showed the aircraft transitioning from a climb to a descent, while in a 180°turn. Also, witnesses saw smoke/flames trailing from the aircraft. Subsequently, the aircraft impacted trees and power lines, then it crashed in a small flat field in hilly terrain. Post-crash examination revealed melted aluminum spatters on the leading edge and underside of the left horizontal stabilizer. Also, 'focalized' fire damage was noted on the cabin behind the drain holes in the left wing root. Tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (marijuana) was detected in the pilot-rated passenger's blood (0.004 ug/ml) and urine (0.010 ug/ml).

Aircraft reference details include registration N601MK, MSN 500-1073-47, year of manufacture 1961.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 37.6821°, -121.7681°.