December 26, 2011, Venice, Fla., Aero Commander 560F

At 1406 Eastern time, the airplane collided with the ground while attempting to return to the departure airport. The airplane was substantially damaged; a post-crash fire ensued. Visual conditions prevailed. The solo private pilot died. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a loss of engine power on the left engine.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A solo private pilot died after their airplane crashed while attempting to return to the departure airport due to a reported loss of left engine power shortly after takeoff.
The aircraft was observed to pitch straight up, stall, and spin multiple times before colliding with the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage, and a post-crash fire ensued.

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Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a loss of engine power on the left engine. The pilot was provided radar vectors and a descent back to the departure airport and subsequently reported the airport in sight. A witness observed the airplane pitch straight up, stall and spin to the left three times before colliding with the ground.