Accident Details
On 15 November 2009, at approximately 0458Z, a Cessna Caravan 208B departed Eros Airport on a flight to Ondjiva, Lubango, and Luanda. The aircraft carried a pilot and three passengers, along with a substantial amount of cargo including building materials, meat, paints, and bottles of wine. The cargo was placed between and on top of seats inside the cabin and in the cargo pod; the cabin cargo was not secured.
After takeoff from runway 19, the aircraft turned right and pitched nose up. According to the surviving passenger, the aircraft entered a left spin shortly after the nose pitched up and impacted the terrain seconds later, coming to rest facing the direction of takeoff. The pilot and two passengers sustained fatal injuries, while one passenger survived with a spinal injury and was admitted to a local hospital.
Pilot and Conditions
The pilot held a commercial pilot license and a valid medical certificate with a restriction to wear corrective lenses. Weather at the time of the accident was fine, with surface wind from 180° at 8 knots.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft's takeoff weight exceeded the maximum by 629 pounds. The aircraft failed to maintain flying speed and stalled shortly after takeoff, making ground impact inevitable.
Contributing Factors
The following contributing factors were identified:
- The pilot's first flight from Eros Airport, resulting in unfamiliarity with the airport and associated environmental phenomena, particularly takeoffs from runway 19.
- An error in weight calculation: the pilot used an incorrect aircraft empty weight.
- Cargo in the cabin was packed between, under, and on top of seats and was not secured.
- Takeoff from runway 19, which has an upslope, with rising terrain and mountains ahead and to the sides.
- The pilot retracted the flaps shortly after rotation, causing an attitude change and loss of altitude.
- A right turn shortly after takeoff increased drag and stall speed.
- Harsh anti-erosion rubber paint on the leading edge of the wings increased stall speed.
- Inadequate oversight by the regulatory authority.