What happened
On 20 August 2000, a PA34-200T, registration ZS-KKK, was performing a private flight from Goro Game Reserve toward Pietersburg. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and five passengers following a weekend trip to the reserve. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft began to veer toward the right, leading the right wing to strike small bushes located near the runway edge. Despite this contact, the pilot attempted to continue the takeoff. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft struck the ground. All occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage before a post-impact fire consumed the plane. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries, while the remaining passengers were unhurt.
The investigation
Investigators examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the sequence of engine performance during the takeoff roll. The inquiry focused on the behavior of the engines as the throttles were advanced and the pilot's subsequent reactions to cockpit warnings. The investigation also looked into the environmental conditions, which the pilot described as fine weather.
Findings
Technical analysis revealed that the left engine spooled up more slowly than the right engine during the initial stages of the takeoff roll. This performance discrepancy was likely caused by an exhaust system leak resulting from a loose exhaust stack. As the pilot advanced the throttles, the right engine's over-boost light illuminated, prompting the pilot to reduce power on the right engine. At the same moment, the left engine's RPM was increasing, creating a significant thrust imbalance that caused the aircraft to veer right.