No fatalities

1997-01-05: Swearingen SA227 Metro III (N165SW) — Skylink Charter — Bullhead City, United States of America

Bullhead City, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 5, 1997, a Swearingen SA227 Metro III (registration N165SW) operated by Skylink Charter was involved in an aviation accident near Bullhead City, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pilot(s) to use 'override' ignition as prescribed by checklist procedures during an encounter with icing conditions, which subsequently led to ice ingestion and dual engine flame-outs. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781206396Data APIEditorial standards

After a missed approach at Grand Canyon Airport, pilots diverted to Bullhead City. Icing accumulated on wings; deice boots cycled but 'override' ignition not used as required. Both engines flamed out on final approach, leading to an off-airport landing and aircraft destruction.

Flight History

The flight crew executed a missed approach at the Grand Canyon Airport and subsequently diverted to the Bullhead City Airport. During the diversion, minimal icing conditions were encountered, with approximately 1/8 inch of ice accumulating on the aircraft wings.

Icing Encounter

The pilots reported that they cycled the deice boots to shed the ice. They observed no ice on the propeller spinners and did not activate the engines' 'override' ignition systems. According to the airplane's flight manual, use of 'override' ignition was required for flight into visible moisture at or below +5 degrees Celsius (+41 degrees Fahrenheit) to prevent ice ingestion and flameouts.

Engine Flame-Out

While on about a 3-mile final approach for landing with the landing gear and flaps extended, both engines flamed out. The aircraft was subsequently destroyed during an off-airport landing.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause is the failure of the pilot(s) to use 'override' ignition as prescribed by checklist procedures during an encounter with icing conditions, which subsequently led to ice ingestion and dual engine flame-outs. Factors related to the accident were the adverse weather (icing) conditions, the accumulation of airframe/engine ice, and lack of suitable terrain in the emergency landing area.