Aero Commander 680E N71DF

Summary

On 3 December 2013 at about 14:37 local time, a Aero Commander 680E registered N71DF was involved in an accident near Crescent City, Florida, United States. 4 people were on board and 4 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

3 December 2013 at 14:37

Classification

Accident

Location

Crescent City, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Jim Finlay Farm (28FL)

Coordinates

29.4386, -81.5764

Aircraft

Aero Commander 680E

Registration

N71DF

Category

Airplane

Year built

1958

Engines

2

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Crescent City → Palatka

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA14CA061

4 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane "hesitated" during the takeoff roll due to the added weight of the passengers on board and the grass surface of the departure airstrip. He said he then added "extra" engine power at rotation, and that the left engine accelerated more quickly than the right, which resulted in an adverse yaw to the right and collision with trees along the right side of the runway. The subsequent collision with trees and terrain resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. According to the pilot, there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.