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Aircraft accident at Opuwo Airstrip (ZS-JDD)

Opuwo, NamibiaTakeoff (climb)

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).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered ZS-JDD
Aircraft registered ZS-JDD. Photo: Bob Adams from George, South Africa / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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.

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