NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On August 22, 1995, about 1123 eastern daylight time, N4630W, an Aero Commander 560F crashed about 1 mile east of Opa Locka Airport, Opa Locka, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the nonrated pilot received fatal injuries. The flight originated about 5 minutes earlier.

Witnesses stated they observed the airplane take off on runway 27 and the engines sounded like they were "sputtering". The airplane then flew an erratic right traffic pattern around the north side of the airport and the speed appeared to be decreasing. The airplane then pitched nose down and crashed in the backyard of a residence just east of the approach end of runway 27 at Opa Locka Airport.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The pilot, Mario R. Brand, held no pilot's certificate. A review of available records at the Aviation Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, revealed that the pilot had applied for a Class III medical certificate and student pilot's certificate on July 8, 1987. The certificate was denied for failure of the applicant to provide information.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The airplane records and logs indicated that the airplane had an annual inspection recorded as completed on August 14, 1995. The pilot's brother stated that the airplane had a faulty altitude reporting system and a local mechanic was attempting to fix the problem. The mechanic had applied masking tape to the airplanes static ports as part of the troubleshooting procedure. The masking tape was still in place after the accident. Additional airplane information is attached to this report.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

Witnesses around the airport stated that it was a dark night with no rain or fog. The Opa Locka Airport tower had closed for the night. Additional weather information is included in this report.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The main wreckage of N4630W was located in the backyard of a residence about 1/4 mile east of Opa Locka Airport. The airplane impacted almost vertically and came to rest in a dirt crater about 2 feet deep. The entire nose section and the cockpit were destroyed. An examination of the flight controls revealed control continuity was established for all aerodynamic surfaces. There was fuel in both fuel tanks and they were ruptured and leaking.

The airplane was removed from the scene an secured in a local hangar. Additional examination revealed that masking tape was sealed over both static ports. Both engines were removed and examined. Both engines exhibited no preimpact failures. Both propeller systems were removed and examined. Two of each three blades exhibited chordwise scratching and slight spanwise curling with leading edge damage.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

A post-mortem examination of the pilot was conducted by Dr. Bruce Hyma on August 23, 1996. Dr. Hyma reported the cause of death to be multiple blunt and crushing injuries. A toxicological examination revealed .01 percent alcohol in the blood of the pilot.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The pilot's brother and mother both stated that they had not given the pilot permission to fly the airplane. The wreckage was released to Mr. George Manion, Airport Manager, Opa Locka Airport on August 29, 1996.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the non-certificated pilot (unqualified person) to maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted in a stall and a collision with the ground. Factors relating to the accident were: the non-certificated pilot's unauthorized use of an airplane that had static ports taped for maintenance, and his failure to properly preflight the airplane (and ensure the static ports were clear).