Accident Sequence
The aircraft 5H-PAC was conducting a base training flight at Kilimanjaro International Airport. At 0410 hours, it was cleared to the local flying area for upper air works, followed by VOR/ILS approaches to runway 09 via NDB KB. After takeoff, the crew performed upper air works for approximately 30 minutes, including clean and dirty stalls, level flights at different speeds, 45-degree turns, and unusual attitude exercises. The aircraft then returned to the airport for an ILS approach to runway 09, executed a missed approach, and joined right-hand circuits for touch-and-go operations on runway 09.
The final maneuvers before the accident involved a simulated engine failure after takeoff followed by a single-engine overshoot, using runway 27. This was approved, and the commander was advised that the surface wind was 090 degrees at 08 knots. The aircraft turned left and positioned on right base for runway 27, receiving landing clearance. The weather was fine with a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius.
The controller reported that the final approach was perfect. The landing gear was down. The aircraft crossed the threshold of runway 27 at approximately 70 feet above ground and continued to flare in a straight and level attitude with the landing gear retracted. It maintained this attitude for about one and a half kilometers down the runway before drifting off the runway to the right. The controller asked the pilot to explain his intentions; there was no reply. The aircraft was observed to yaw violently as it drifted further right. Moments later, it impacted the ground on a grass hedge and skidded along the width of taxiway Y before coming to rest.
Aftermath
The commander stated that he repossessed the controls immediately when the aircraft began yawing, but there was no time for effective recovery. Fuel spillage occurred but no fire broke out. The two pilots, who had not fastened their shoulder straps, sustained facial injuries.