Background
On an unspecified date, an aircraft departed from Kerowagi Airfield. After takeoff, it failed to gain altitude and subsequently crashed. The aircraft was occupied by eight passengers and two crew members, although its certification allowed for only six passengers. Only four seat belts were fitted in the aircraft, and none of the passengers were using them. Unsecured freight was placed behind the passengers; upon impact, the freight shifted forward and struck the passengers. The pilot had not prepared a load sheet or calculated the center of gravity before the flight. The tailwind during takeoff was above the maximum permissible for Kerowagi Airfield.
Injuries and Damage
Three occupants, one of whom was the pilot, sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. The aircraft itself was damaged beyond repair and was written off.
Investigation
The investigation revealed that the aircraft's weight exceeded the certified limit by at least 18 kilograms. The absence of adequate seat belts and the presence of unsecured cargo were additional safety deficiencies. The pilot's failure to complete a load sheet or determine the center of gravity indicated a lack of proper pre-flight planning.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause, as stated in the investigation report, was that the aircraft failed to become airborne when taking off from an airstrip at high density altitude due to incorrect technique on the part of the pilot in that he failed to adjust the mixture controls to obtain maximum engine power.