What happened
On 30 December 2000, a KR2 aircraft, registered as ZS-VNL, was performing a private flight departing from Baragwanath (Syferneo). During the takeoff roll on Runway 31, the aircraft drifted toward the right side of the runway. As the aircraft veered off the paved surface, the right-hand main wheel struck a mound of grass. The impact caused the right-hand main landing gear to separate from the airframe. As the aircraft continued its sideways movement, the left-hand main landing gear also detached. The propeller subsequently struck the ground, and the aircraft came to a halt on its belly approximately 6 meters to the right of the runway edge.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the site and the wreckage to determine the sequence of events leading to the excursion. The investigation confirmed that the weather conditions at the time of the accident were fine. The aircraft was being operated for private purposes with two people on board, though there were no fatalities and no injuries resulting from the incident. The investigation focused on the movement of the aircraft during the takeoff phase and the subsequent structural failure of the landing gear upon contact with the terrain.