Incident Overview
On 1 November 2008, a pilot accompanied by five passengers departed from Wonderboom aerodrome on a chartered flight destined for Njala Lodge in Limpopo Province. The coordinates used by the pilot were insufficient for navigation and resulted in the aircraft landing at an incorrect aerodrome.
Take-Off and Aborted Attempt
During the subsequent take-off from the incorrect runway, the pilot apparently failed to conduct a proper assessment of the wind conditions. As a result, the aircraft failed to gain height, prompting the pilot to abort the take-off. During the landing that followed the aborted take-off, the aircraft collided with a large rock, a telephone pole, associated telephone wires, and a 4-foot wire fence.
Damage and Final Position
The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence. It came to a stop merely 5 metres from high tension wires that were strung across the dirt road.
Official Findings
The investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The pilot failed to carry out a proper assessment of the wind conditions. The aircraft failed to gain height as a result of a possible down draft and collided with obstacles on the ground after landing. Additionally, the pilot failed to maintain directional control after take-off, resulting in a landing on the left side of the runway after aborting the take-off.