On August 16, 1978, a Cessna 402 (registration ZS-JDD) operated by Suidwes Lugdiens - South West Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Opuwo, Namibia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during the takeoff roll or initial climb. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft crashed during takeoff from Opuwo Airstrip, resulting in injuries to all three people on board.
What happened
During the initial climb phase of a flight departing from runway 03/21 at Opuwo Airstrip, a twin engine airplane experienced an aerodynamic stall. The loss of lift caused the aircraft to descend rapidly and impact the ground.
There were three injuries reported among the occupants of the aircraft. No fatalities occurred during the accident. Following the impact, the aircraft sustained significant damage and was declared a total loss.
Findings
The aircraft entered a stall state while attempting to depart from the runway.
The crash occurred during the takeoff phase of flight.
Probable cause
The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during the takeoff roll or initial climb.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Aug 1978 Cessna 402 accident near Opuwo, Namibia?
A twin-engine aircraft crashed during takeoff from Opuwo Airstrip, resulting in injuries to all three people on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Aug 1978 Cessna 402 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Aug 1978 involved a Cessna 402, registration ZS-JDD, operated by Suidwes Lugdiens - South West Airways, at Opuwo, Namibia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during the takeoff roll or initial climb.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…
