Aircraft crash landing during takeoff roll

No fatalities • Sturt Island, Papua New Guinea • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a stall and subsequent crash landing while attempting to avoid standing water during a takeoff roll on a grass runway.

What happened

While performing a takeoff roll on a grass runway measuring 780 metres in length, the pilot encountered significant standing water on the surface. In an effort to bypass these puddles, the pilot initiated an early rotation. This maneuver resulted in an aerodynamic stall, leading to a crash landing.

Despite the impact, all three occupants of the aircraft successfully evacuated the wreckage without sustaining any injuries. The aircraft itself sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

  • The pilot's decision to attempt a premature takeoff to avoid surface water led to the loss of airspeed and the subsequent stall.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to rotate the aircraft early to avoid standing water caused an aerodynamic stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-01-05 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Sturt Island, Papua New Guinea?

An aircraft experienced a stall and subsequent crash landing while attempting to avoid standing water during a takeoff roll on a grass runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 2004-01-05 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-01-05 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration P2-KSG, operated by Regional Air, at Sturt Island, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to rotate the aircraft early to avoid standing water caused an aerodynamic stall.

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