On December 16, 2000, a Casa 212 Aviocar (registration LDF-48) operated by Lesotho Defence Force was involved in an aviation accident near Mokhotlong, Lesotho during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Poor flight preparation on part of the crew who failed to check the wind component at Mokhotlong Airport. The crew though the wind was calm while locals confirmed the wind was relatively strong with gusts. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During approach to Mokhotlong Airport, the aircraft touched down too far down the 700-meter gravel runway and overran, stopping against a house. All 13 occupants escaped uninjured; the aircraft was destroyed.
Accident Overview
Following an uneventful flight from Maseru, the crew initiated the approach to Mokhotlong Airport. The aircraft touched down on the left main gear 200 meters past the runway threshold, with the right main gear landing a few meters further. The gravel runway at Mokhotlong is 700 meters long. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the aircraft overran the runway and came to rest against a house located approximately 100 meters beyond the runway end.
Occupants and Damage
All 13 occupants escaped uninjured. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause was poor flight preparation by the crew, who failed to check the wind component at Mokhotlong Airport. The crew believed the wind was calm, but locals confirmed that the wind was relatively strong with gusts. Following a wrong approach configuration, the aircraft was too high and landed too far down the runway, reducing the landing distance available.
