Aero Commander S2R, N5679X: Accident occurred February 09, 2021 near Mid-Valley Dusters Inc Airport (43TX), Alamo, Hidalgo County, Texas

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Antonio, Texas

https://registry.faa.gov/N5679X

Location: Alamo, TX

Accident Number: CEN21LA133

Date & Time: February 9, 2021, 17:35 Local

Registration: N5679X

Aircraft: Aero Commander S2R 

Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

On February 9, 2021, about 1735 central standard time, an Aero Commander S2R airplane, N5679X, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Alamo, Texas. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.

The pilot stated that after takeoff from Mid-Valley Dusters Inc. Airport (43TX), he noticed an abnormal sound from the engine. Concerned with obstacles farther along the departure path, he elected to make an immediate forced landing, during which the left wing was damaged after impact with small trees. The airplane has been retained for examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aero Commander

Registration: N5679X

Model/Series: S2R

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built: No

Operator: On file

Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural aircraft (137)

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: KMFE,100 ft msl 

Observation Time: 17:53 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C /19°C

Lowest Cloud Condition:

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots / , 80°

Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 4800 ft AGL

Visibility: 7 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Alamo, TX (43TX)

Destination: Alamo, TX

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: N/A

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries:

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 None 

Latitude, Longitude: 26.153131,-98.135008