Swearingen SA227 Metro III crash, Apr 9, 2008 (1 killed)
Swearingen SA227 Metro III accident on April 9, 2008 near Sydney, New South Wales, Australia with 1 fatality. Cause: Spatial disorientation and loss of...
- Date: April 9, 2008
- Aircraft: Swearingen SA227 Metro III
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Fatalities: 1
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
- Cause: Spatial disorientation and loss of control after takeoff. The AC electrical system was very likely unpowered and the aircraft probably lacked a functioning attitude reference while the pilot dealt with the technical fault. Inadequate pilot type training and single-pilot operation were contributing factors.
A Metro III freighter on a single-pilot charter from Sydney to Brisbane departed at night after the pilot reported a slight technical fault. The aircraft turned contrary to ATC instructions, descended and climbed erratically, and disappeared from radar over the ocean. Wreckage was later found floating on the sea and the pilot was presumed killed.