Accident Overview
On 28 June 2004, an aircraft was refuelled to capacity at Polokwane Airport, South Africa, with 1,750 litres of Jet A1 fuel. It then flew to São Sebastião, near Vilanculos, Mozambique. Later that day, the crew attempted to take off on a non-scheduled flight from São Sebastião to Vilanculos Airport (VNX) to airlift an injured man to a hospital at an unknown destination.
Takeoff Attempt
The crew did not use the full runway length available. Instead, they attempted the takeoff run using only 870 feet (265 meters) of runway. The aircraft failed to become airborne and overran the runway. It then collided with a sandbank, the perimeter fence, and trees, and erupted in fire.
Performance Calculation
Calculations based on the takeoff performance graphs in the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) showed that the aircraft would have required a ground roll distance of 2,000 feet (610 meters) with 40° flap and 2,100 feet (640 meters) with no flap selected.
Conclusion
The accident investigation source provides no explicit statement of probable cause.