Incident Overview
On 14 April 2014, a Cessna 402C aircraft, registered ZS-LXY, was conducting a private flight under Part 91 from a private strip at Karin's Camp in Limpopo Province to Madikwe East private airstrip in North West Province. The pilot, who was also the aircraft owner, reported that during the take-off roll, the aircraft drifted to the left. The pilot corrected for the drift, but during rotation, the left wing struck a bush located immediately adjacent to the runway edge. The impact caused minor damage to the leading edge of the left wing. Neither the pilot nor the four passengers sustained any injuries. The weather was reported as CAVOK (ceiling and visibility okay).
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot held a valid airline transport pilot licence and was properly rated for the flight. The aircraft had a valid certificate of airworthiness and registration, and was properly maintained with no defects reported before or after the event. The left wing strike occurred against a bush right next to the runway edge. The pilot's compensation on the rudder pedals was found to be inadequate while attempting to correct the drift.
Probable Cause
The aircraft's left wing hit a bush following the pilot's inadequate compensation on the rudder controls during the take-off roll.