On January 5, 2004, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration P2-KSG) operated by Regional Air was involved in an aviation accident near Sturt Island, Papua New Guinea during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's attempt to rotate the aircraft early to avoid standing water caused an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
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.