What happened
On 27 April 2006, a Cessna 140, registration ZS-MZK, was performing a private flight departing from Rustenburg Aerodrome (FARG). During the takeoff roll on Runway 34, the pilot observed that the airspeed indicator was failing to provide an accurate reading, specifically not indicating speeds above 50 mph. In response to this instrument failure, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff by reducing throttle.
While the aircraft initially maintained its path, the pilot lost directional control once the tail wheel made contact with the runway. The aircraft subsequently veered off the runway and entered an area of soft ground covered in long grass. This terrain caused the aircraft to nose over. The incident resulted in one minor injury to a passenger, while the pilot remained unhurt. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the starboard wing, the vertical stabilizer, and the lower cowling.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the instrument failure and the subsequent maneuvers. The aircraft's maintenance records showed that the last Mandatory Periodical Inspection (MPI) had been completed on 25 August 2005, with the aircraft having flown an additional 15.8 hours since that inspection. Meteorological conditions at the time of the incident were favorable, with CAVOK conditions and light winds.
Findings
- The primary trigger for the aborted takeoff was the failure of the airspeed indicator to show speeds exceeding 50 mph.
- The pilot's attempt to apply the brakes at a high speed during the aborted takeoff led to the loss of directional control.