What happened
While performing a takeoff roll, a twin engine aircraft encountered a depression in the terrain. This impact caused a propeller to make contact with the ground, leading to a significant loss of engine power and airspeed. Consequently, the aircraft failed to achieve lift-off and drifted toward the left side of the runway.
Following the departure from the runway, the aircraft traversed three fences and crossed a dirt road before eventually coming to a halt in an adjacent open field. All seven occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage, with one person sustaining a slight injury.
Following the incident, authorities dispatched specialized units to Steynsburg. This deployment included five detectives and forensic experts tasked with investigating a suspected arson case involving the destruction of the local Grand Hotel.
Findings
- The aircraft's loss of power was triggered by a propeller strike following contact with a dip in the ground during the takeoff roll.