Twin Falls - Twin Falls

On September 24, 1987 at 11:25 PM, Twin Falls - Twin Falls experienced a crash involving Swearingen SA227 Metro III, operated by Horizon Air, with the event recorded near Twin Falls Idaho.

The flight was categorized as training and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

3 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 3 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 3, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 0, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. Check pilot was conducting captain proficiency check on another company pilot (pic) under dark night conditions. Subsequent to full stop landing on runway 25, takeoff checklist was recited. PIC commenced takeoff on runway 07. Check pilot simulated V1 engine cut after liftoff. PIC was unable to accelerate to V2, climb, or maintain directional control. Aircraft levelled off, air speed began to decay and aircraft drifted to the right. Check captain failed to take control or terminate engine cut simulation as evolution deteriorated. Aircraft collided with ILS glideslope tower marked by red obstruction lights. Loss of control followed when right wingtip/aileron separated. Aircraft then impacted ground and slid to a stop. Takeoff flap position should be 1/4. Both flaps found near 1/2 flap extended position. Handle found in 1/2 flap detent. Performances charts show aircraft able to reach V2 at 50 feet altitude in 6,500 feet roll, then +575 fpm climb (vyse) at acc wt.

Aircraft reference details include registration N2689E, MSN AC-653, year of manufacture 1986.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 42.5559°, -114.4701°.