History of the Flight
At about 15:10 local time on 7 June 2023, a Cessna U206G aircraft, registered VH-MZL and operated by Strickland Bosavi Foundation Limited, was conducting a private VFR flight from Dodomona Airstrip to Mougulu Airstrip in Western Province, Papua New Guinea. The pilot reported local winds gusting between 5-8 kts during passenger boarding. He configured the aircraft for a short field takeoff and lined up on runway 23. After applying full power and releasing the brakes, the aircraft accelerated down the runway. The pilot planned to perform an acceleration check at a point immediately before an undulation on the airstrip, expecting a speed of 40 kts. When he reached the acceleration check point, the airspeed indicator showed a lower speed, prompting him to abort the takeoff. The aircraft continued with momentum and became airborne at the undulation, flew for about 70 m, then contacted the ground. The pilot applied brakes, but the aircraft skidded for 172 m, veering left before turning right. It rolled off the runway edge, overturned, and came to rest inverted, 14 m from the runway edge.
Injuries and Damage
There were four persons on board: one pilot and three passengers. No injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Information
The pilot held the appropriate licenses and had recent experience operating the Cessna 206 into Dodomona Airstrip and surrounding areas.
Aircraft and Airstrip Information
The aircraft was a Cessna U206G (registration VH-MZL). The airstrip, Dodomona, had a wet and slippery surface. The pilot noted an undulation at 180 m up runway 23, which was used as the acceleration check point. The windsock at the southwestern end (approach end) was reported faulty.
Probable Cause
The runway excursion was primarily caused by the pilot’s nominated Acceleration Check Point on an undulation and the pilot’s inadequate situational awareness. The runway was considerably wet and slippery.