What happened
On the scheduled international cargo flight from Johannesburg International Airport to Eros, Namibia, an aircraft carrying express freight and heavy steel cargo departed at 0119Z. The flight was manned by two pilots and included one passenger. During the initial stages of the flight, the aircraft experienced a catastrophic event during its departure sequence. Approximately 106 seconds after the takeoff roll began, the aircraft struck the ground in a marshy area located roughly 700 metres south of the runway 03R threshold. The impact occurred while the aircraft was in a left-wing low attitude.
Findings
- The aircraft was carrying two steel bars, each measuring about 3 metres in length, alongside various parcels.
- The crash resulted in three fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
- The accident occurred during the takeoff roll phase of flight.