SUS Aero Commander Accident

[ahw01]

I actually have no problem with the airplane, but when you're flying busted up airplanes with inexperienced pilots who get overworked, it's a bad combo.

This was down to a seat removal not in compliance with an STC. (Docket shows a hand drawn worksheet IIRC)

<The airplane was not equipped with a terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS). Six years earlier, the accident airplane seating configuration was changed to reduce passenger seat provisions from six to five by removing a seat belt from the aft divan, which was originally configured with seat belts for three people. This modification rendered the airplane exempt from the TAWS requirement; however, this modification was not approved by the FAA or documented via a supplemental type certificate or FAA Form 337 (Major Repair and Modification). Per the requirements of 14 Code of Federal Regulations 91.223, TAWS is not required for airplanes with fewer than six passenger seats. In this accident, onboard TAWS equipment could have provided a timely alert to help the pilot avoid the mountain.>

 

[DropTank]

I also flew them doing UPS subcontracts in 86, I think it was. I got hired there with 100 hours multi. They flew like big Cessna's then, too. What was your point again? Maybe I missed it.

Yeah, I guess that could be misinterpreted.

Their flying is generally night time cargo all weather including storms and icing in mountainous areas.
Self load, self moving, self fueling, uncontrolled airport, single pilot, no support, while exhausted.
Low time pilots means higher chance of bad judgement, as does limited training and high pressure environment.

That's my opinion of the operation overall.

One article states the pilot was 65 years old. I'm guessing inexperience is less likely but that's a WAG

Most of the pilots I've talked to were young and new.

 

[Inverted]

Saw some photos that appear to show the accident aircraft on fire before crashing