What happened
Following the completion of a paratrooper mission, the flight crew encountered worsening weather conditions. To avoid the deteriorating environment, the crew elected to divert the flight to a remote airstrip situated in the southeastern region of the country.
Once the weather had improved, the crew attempted to depart from the airstrip to return to their home base. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to achieve sufficient lift to become airborne. The plane subsequently crashed into a nearby sugar cane field. The impact resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond repair. Both the pilot and the co-pilot managed to escape the wreckage, sustaining only minor injuries.
Findings
- The aircraft failed to rotate or lift off during the takeoff phase.
- The incident occurred following a diversion necessitated by poor weather.