Aircraft and Operator
A Cessna A188B aircraft, registration ZS-KWB, operated by Sky Sprayers (Pty) Ltd, was involved in an incident during takeoff from a private gravel runway on Schoongesig farm, located between Hermon and Gouda in the Western Cape. The aircraft was configured for agricultural operations with a hopper tank containing chemicals.
History of Flight
On 29 August 2011 at approximately 1530Z, the pilot began a takeoff run from the narrow runway, which had wheat vegetation growing adjacent to the shoulder. According to the pilot, this was his 20th takeoff of the day. The aircraft performed satisfactorily during the initial takeoff run. After approximately 300 meters, the aircraft became airborne with the tail wheel off the ground. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft drifted to the left. The left wing subsequently made contact with the wheat, causing the aircraft to veer sharply left. The pilot immediately dumped the hopper load, but the aircraft impacted a wire fence. This impact damaged the propeller, left wing, and spray boom. The field beyond the fence was uneven with humps and holes, so the pilot continued the takeoff, turned back, and landed on the runway.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing, propeller blades, and the spray boom, which broke off during the impact sequence. The wire boundary fence was also damaged.
Personnel
The pilot was a 23-year-old male with a South African commercial pilot license, valid and endorsed for the aircraft type. He held ratings for night flight and agricultural operations. His total flying experience was 1,174.0 hours, with 419.0 hours on type. He had flown 67.0 hours in the past 90 days, of which 62.0 hours were on type. The pilot reported no injuries.
Meteorological Information
The pilot reported fine weather conditions at the farm. The wind was variable at 2 knots, temperature 25 °C, visibility greater than 5 km, and no cloud cover.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined the probable cause to be loss of directional control on takeoff, causing the left wing to impact the wheat vegetation next to the runway. A contributory factor was crew fatigue.