Incident Overview
A Douglas DC-3 aircraft was involved in an accident during a takeoff attempt from a wet gravel runway. The takeoff was conducted with the flaps retracted. After rolling approximately 300 meters, the airplane deviated from its path, executing a left swerve of 30 degrees at a speed of 60 knots. The aircraft then lifted off the ground and collided with the airport fence, with the left wing making contact.
Subsequent Events
The noise from the fence strike frightened a herd of buffaloes in the vicinity. Several buffaloes ran into the path of the left propeller. As a result, four buffaloes were killed and the number one propeller assembly detached from the aircraft. Following the propeller separation, the left main landing gear sank into soft terrain located about 75 meters from the edge of the airstrip.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified the probable cause as a combination of factors: the deteriorated condition of the laterite (gravel) runway surface, which had been worn down by intensive use and contained puddles of rainwater at various locations; and an error in judgment by the pilot-in-command. The pilot, aiming to adhere to flight schedules, attempted the takeoff shortly after a heavy rain shower under unfavorable weather conditions. The report states that the pilot should have aborted the takeoff and postponed departure until conditions were adequate for a safe takeoff.