No fatalities

Night Engine Failure Leads to Crash Near Twin Falls (N223LH)

Twin Falls, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 2, 1977, a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 (registration N223LH) operated by Central Air Charter was involved in an aviation accident near Twin Falls, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure caused by a fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a night descent to Twin Falls, both engines stopped due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot attempted an emergency landing but struck power cables, crashing in a snow-covered field. The pilot was injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview

While descending at night toward Twin Falls, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous loss of power in both engines. The subsequent decrease in airspeed caused a loss of altitude. The pilot elected to perform an emergency landing, but the aircraft collided with power cables and came to rest in a snow-covered field. The pilot sustained injuries, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a double engine failure resulting from fuel exhaustion.

Contributing Factors

Investigators identified several contributing factors: collision with wires or poles, mismanagement of fuel, miscalculated fuel consumption, fuel exhaustion, and the presence of high obstructions.