Beech 95-B55 Aborted Take-Off at Satara Aerodrome (ZS-KCP)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 18 September 2003, a Beech 95-B55 with registration ZS-KCP was operating a commercial charter flight from Satara Aerodrome to Singhita (Sabie Sands, 20 nm west of Skukuza Aerodrome). The aircraft was carrying one pilot and two passengers. The pilot-in-command held a valid commercial licence (CA/18/3/2/0303), was 25 years old, and had 3,100 total flying hours, including 55 hours on type. The last mandatory periodic inspection was certified on 18 August 2003 at 2,759.9 airframe hours since new, with 30.1 additional hours flown before the incident. The maintenance organisation held a valid approval certificate, and no major deficiencies were noted during the last CAA audit. ## Sequence of Events and Weather Conditions The pilot reported drizzling conditions with a southerly wind, 6/8 cloud cover at 4,500 ft AMSL, and good visibility. During the take-off roll on Runway 19 at Satara Aerodrome, the pilot aborted the take-off because the airspeed indicator appeared to be stuck at 80 kts indicated airspeed. When the aircraft reached the end of the runway, the pilot manoeuvred it at approximately 20 kts onto the service road next to the runway. Ten metres before the aircraft stopped, the left wingtip clipped a tree branch, causing minor damage that was not noticed by the pilot at the time. After inspection of the pitot tube, ZS-KCP took off without further problems and landed safely at its destination. The pilot noticed the minor left wingtip damage only after the passengers had disembarked at the destination. No injuries were sustained by the pilot or passengers.