Accident Details
On 1 January 2002, a Cessna 182P, registration ZS-SEL, was involved in an accident during takeoff from a private airstrip at Waterberg Game Park. The pilot, who held a private pilot licence with 340 total flying hours (300 on type), departed with three passengers. The intended destination was Tempe (FABL).
Flight History
The takeoff was conducted uphill towards high ground and trees, with 20 degrees of flaps selected. Shortly after becoming airborne, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The airplane veered approximately 300 meters to the right of the runway centreline and struck a tree.
Injuries and Damage
The two rear passengers were uninjured, while the pilot and the front passenger sustained injuries and were admitted to hospital. A post-impact fire destroyed the aircraft.
Probable Cause
The South African Civil Aviation Authority stated the probable cause: "The pilot lost control of the aircraft after take-off possibly due to the fact that he underestimated the slope of the runway and allowed the aircraft to end up on the wrong side of the drag curve."