...Witnesses Observed The Airplane Become Airborne And Continue Inflight Until It Impacted The Hangar, Where A Post Impact Fire Ensued

Location: Novato, CA Accident Number: WPR24FA290
Date & Time: August 31, 2024, 15:50 Local Registration: N2912T
Aircraft: Aero Commander 200D Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 31, 2024, about 1550 Pacific daylight time, an Aero Commander 200D, N2912T, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident at Gnoss Field Airport (DVO), Novato, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

Family members reported that the pilot had flown to Novato from Redding, California, earlier that day. They spent a few hours with the pilot before he returned to the airport and departed on the accident flight. They further stated that he was quite familiar with DVO and had been flying to the airport for years.

A witness who was taxiing his airplane on the parallel taxiway at DVO reported observing the accident airplane as it rose momentarily a few ft off the runway after its takeoff roll then veer left on the runway into the runway safety area (RSA). The accident airplane continued across the RSA, over the parallel taxiway, and touched down on the grass covered area between the parallel taxiway and ramp near the intersection at taxiway Charlie. Another witness who was taxiing from the ramp and approaching the intersection saw the airplane impact the grassy area about 10 ft in front of their position. Both witnesses observed the airplane become airborne and continue inflight until it impacted the hangar, where a post impact fire ensued a few seconds later. Another witness who was located near the hangars reported that the engine sounded as though it was developing plenty of power before impact. 

Examination of the accident site revealed 3 rubber tire marks near the center of the runway, about 215 ft from the edge of the displaced threshold of runway 31. The tire marks continued to the left side of the runway and into the RSA. Loose displaced grass was observed on the runway edge An area of disturbed grass and dirt ground scars, consistent with contact from the main landing gear tires extended from the runway edge, through the RSA, toward the ramp area. The ground scars continued into the grassy area between the parallel taxiway and ramp, where a taxiway light was found damaged.

The airplane impacted the eastern edge of a hangar row and was mostly consumed by post impact fire. The empennage was mostly separated from the fuselage, however, remained attached by the elevator trim and elevator control cables. The right wing had extensive thermal damage and only the inboard wing steel structure remained. The outboard left wing had impact damage and remained attached to the inboard wing steel structure. The engine and propeller remained attached to fuselage and had extensive thermal damage. The cabin area was mostly consumed by fire.

The wreckage was relocated to a secure facility for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov