What happened
On January 1, 2002, a Cessna 182P, registration ZS-SEL, departed from a private airstrip at Waterberg Game Park, bound for Tempe. The aircraft was operating a private flight with the pilot and three passengers on board. During the takeoff roll, the pilot configured the aircraft with 20 degrees of flaps while climbing toward high ground and nearby trees. Shortly after leaving the ground, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The plane struck a tree located roughly 300 meters to the right of the runway 18 centerline. While the two passengers in the rear remained unhurt, the pilot and the front passenger sustained injuries and required hospitalization. A fire broke out following the impact, which ultimately destroyed the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the departure phase and the environmental conditions at the Waterberg private strip. Investigators examined the aircraft's configuration, noting the use of 20 degrees of flaps during the uphill takeoff. Meteorological data indicated that weather conditions were clear with no significant wind at the time of the accident.