What happened
On the evening of 16 September 1995, a Metro III was conducting a type-conversion training flight at Tamworth. The crew consisted of a check-and-training pilot acting as pilot in command, a trainee co-pilot, and a second trainee observing from the passenger seat. The session followed a period of ground school and initial cockpit procedure instruction.
After a brief period of flight exercises and a taxiway hold, the crew prepared for a takeoff on runway 1el. During the takeoff roll, the instructor pilot called for V1 and rotation. Shortly after the aircraft became airborne, the instructor retarded the left engine power lever to the flight-idle position to simulate an engine failure. Following this action, the aircraft began to yaw significantly to the left.
Despite the crew noting a positive rate of climb and retracting the landing gear, the aircraft's heading drifted toward 107 degrees. Approximately 35 seconds after liftoff, the aircraft struck a tree located roughly 350 meters beyond the runway end. The impact caused the aircraft to roll left, severing power lines and striking additional trees before hitting the ground in an inverted position. There were 3 fatalities resulting from the impact.
Findings
- The flight was part of a conversion training program where the instructor intended to demonstrate a V1 engine failure procedure.
- The briefing prior to takeoff had not included specific discussions regarding aircraft handling techniques following an engine failure during the takeoff phase.
- The instructor's decision to reduce power on the left engine during the climb led to the loss of directional control and the subsequent collision.