What happened
On 19 January 2025, a Cessna A188B Ag Truck, registration ZS-KDX, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Mokopane Airfield (FAQR) in the Limpopo Province. Following two successful spraying sorties, the pilot prepared for a third flight, loading 600 litres of chemical into the hopper and 100 litres of AVGAS into the fuel tanks.
During the take-off roll on Runway 36, the aircraft encountered a sudden gust of wind from the left. Approximately 575 metres from the runway threshold, this wind uplifted the left wing, causing the aircraft to veer toward the right side of the runway. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground with the propeller and right wing, resulting in a clockwise ground loop. The pilot escaped the no injury incident unharmed, but the aircraft suffered substantial damage, including a bent propeller, a rippled left wing, and the separation of the tail assembly from the fuselage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the Cessna A188B Ag Truck was airworthy, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and a recent periodic inspection. The pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot Licence and a current Class 1 medical certificate.
While the recorded crosswind component was only 3.5 knots—well within the aircraft's 15-knot limitation—the investigation focused on the sudden change in wind direction and speed reported by the pilot. Investigators noted that the airfield is situated near mountainous terrain, which can significantly alter local airflow.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during the take-off phase.
- A contributing factor was the presence of mountain waves, which likely created the sudden wind gust that disrupted the aircraft's stability.
- The pilot was properly licensed, qualified, and the aircraft was fully compliant with all maintenance and regulatory requirements.