Aero Commander 500 S — registry & accident history
Compiled from FAA & NTSB records · as of Jul 24, 2026
There are 165 Aero Commander 500 S airframes on record (built 1963–1978), 45 currently registered. 9 have one or more NTSB accident records (9 records total, 4 with a fatal highest-injury classification). Data as of Jul 24, 2026.
Recent Aero Commander 500 S accidents
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.
The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the fuel exhaustion was the fatigue fracture of an electrical wire in the tank unit or fuel transmitter, which likely resulted in an inaccurate fuel quantity indication.
A loss of engine power due to the use of improper fuel. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot and ground personnel to ensure that the airplane was serviced with the proper fuel.
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack after a total loss of engine power during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. The reason for the total loss of engine power could not be determined because an examination of the airframe and engines did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.
The pilot-in-training inadvertently shutting off both engine fuel control valves causing a loss of power in both engines, and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in a stall. Contributing to the accident was the chief pilot's inadequate supervision of the pilot-in-training.