On December 23, 1976, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration A2-AOS) operated by African Overland Safaris was involved in an aviation accident near Lanseria, South Africa during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft failed to maintain sufficient altitude during the initial climb phase following liftoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine airplane experienced a loss of altitude immediately following takeoff from Lanseria Airport, resulting in a runway excursion.
What happened
During a recent departure from Lanseria Airport, a twin-engine aircraft failed to maintain altitude shortly after leaving the ground. Immediately following liftoff, the plane descended back toward the airfield, making contact with the runway surface.
As the aircraft impacted the pavement, it transitioned into a belly slide along the runway. The movement continued until the plane eventually came to a complete stop on the active surface. There were no fatalities or injuries reported among the occupants following the incident.
Findings
No specific technical reasons for the loss of altitude were provided in the initial report, though the aircraft's inability to climb after rotation led to the subsequent runway excursion.
Probable cause
The aircraft failed to maintain sufficient altitude during the initial climb phase following liftoff.