The airplane was substantially damaged upon impact with terrain at 2243 Central time following loss of control shortly after takeoff. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was fatally injured. Night instrument conditions prevailed for the Part 135 cargo flight. Soon after takeoff, the pilot reported gyro problems. The airplane was given instructions to turn left, but the pilot initiated a right turn. The aircraft made two steep right 360-degree turns and disappeared from radar.
January 16, 2008, Tulsa, Okla., Aero Commander 500B
The airplane was substantially damaged upon impact with terrain at 2243 Central time following loss of control shortly after takeoff. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was fatally injured. Night instrument conditions prevailed for the Part 135 cargo flight. Soon after takeoff, the pilot reported gyro problems. The airplane was given instructions to turn left, but the pilot initiated a right turn. The aircraft made two steep right 360-degree turns and disappeared from radar.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane crashed and was substantially damaged shortly after takeoff, fatally injuring the sole commercial pilot.
- The incident occurred at night in instrument conditions during a Part 135 cargo flight.
- The pilot reported "gyro problems" and, contrary to instructions, executed a series of steep right turns before losing control and disappearing from radar.
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