AERO COMMANDER 500S — Linwood, KS, 2008

AERO COMMANDER 500S — Linwood, KS

2 fatal High-time pilotLow altitude

Date	June 24, 2008
Location	Linwood, KS
Aircraft	AERO COMMANDER 500S
Purpose of flight	Instructional
Conditions	Day · Visual Meteorological Cond
Phase / occurrence	Maneuvering-low-alt flying Loss of control in flight
Pilot age	47
Pilot total time	10,500 hrs · High time
Time in type	7,550 hrs
Fatalities	2

Probable cause

The pilot-in-training inadvertently shutting off both engine fuel control valves causing a loss of power in both engines, and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in a stall. Contributing to the accident was the chief pilot's inadequate supervision of the pilot-in-training.

NTSB findings

Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine fuel and control-Fuel controlling system-Unintentional use/operation - C
Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action selection-Pilot - C
Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Delayed action-Instructor/check pilot - F
Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C

What happened

The airline's chief pilot was giving a newly-hired pilot a required competency/proficiency check. Memory data from the airplane's global positioning system showed the airplane made steep 360-degree turns to the left and right before continuing towards a practice area at gradually decreasing airspeed and altitude. A low cloud ceiling prevailed. Witnesses said they heard both engines "sputter, then quit," and saw the airplane clear a grove of trees, stall, and strike the ground. The landing gear was down and the flaps were in the approach setting. Both propellers were in the low pitch/high rpm setting, and bore little rotational signatures. Both engine fuel supply lines contained only residual fuel. Those familiar with the chief pilot's flying practices stated that he always followed a certain routine when giving a check ride. The routine consisted of the following: After performing steep 360-degree turns, he would ask the trainee to configure the airplane for landing and demonstrate minimum control maneuvers. Prior to executing steep turns, he would turn the boost pumps on. At the completion of the maneuver, the pumps would be turned off. The investigation revealed that there are unguarded fuel shutoff switches next to the boost pumps, and the circumstances of the accident are consistent with the these fuel shutoff switches being inadvertently placed in the off position, instead of the fuel boost pumps.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.