What happened
On 9 June 2023, a Cessna 182N aircraft, registered ZS-IIN, was performing an aerial survey flight at a private farm airstrip in Waterval, Limpopo Province. The flight was being conducted for agricultural familiarization under visual meteorological conditions.
During the take-off roll on a 675-metre grass runway, the pilot applied full throttle with 10 degrees of flaps. As the aircraft reached an airspeed of 60 mph, the pilot rotated the aircraft. Shortly after this rotation, a stall warning was triggered. In response, the pilot attempted to abort the take-off by landing the aircraft back on the remaining runway surface. However, due to insufficient distance to stop, the aircraft overran the runway, crossed an embankment, and careered into a road running perpendicular to the airstrip. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, propeller blades, and nose oleo strut, though there were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the departure and the aircraft's mechanical state. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot Licence and a Class 1 medical certificate. The aircraft's maintenance records were reviewed, and no mechanical anomalies were found that could have contributed to the event. Weather conditions at the time were reported as calm with temperatures of 32°C and good visibility.
Findings
- The pilot prematurely rotated the aircraft during the take-off roll.
- The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall following the improper rotation.
- The pilot utilized an incorrect take-off technique, specifically using 10 degrees of flaps at an airspeed of 60 mph, which was inconsistent with safe operating procedures for the conditions.
- The undulating nature of the runway contributed to the premature lift-off.