Loss of Control During Takeoff in TECNAM P92-S ECHO at Dundee

Casualties unknown • Battlefields Country Lodge, ZA

A private flight departing from Battlefields Country Lodge resulted in an aircraft excursion and collision with a fuel drum after a failed takeoff attempt.

What happened

On 4 May 2002, a TECNAM P92-S ECHO, registered ZU-CKE, was preparing for a short recreational flight from Battlefields Country Lodge near Dundee. The pilot intended to fly a passenger to express gratitude for recent hospitality. Due to morning mist, the departure was delayed until approximately 0730Z when visibility improved.

The aircraft was operating on a grass runway with a slight uphill gradient. During the takeoff roll, the pilot utilized 15 degrees of flaps for a soft-field technique. As the aircraft accelerated, it experienced a sudden surge in speed before the pilot could establish effective rudder, aileron, or elevator control. The aircraft veered toward the left side of the runway, heading toward parked vehicles, spectators, and other aircraft.

In an attempt to steer the aircraft away from the populated area, the pilot maintained full throttle to execute a right turn. This maneuver resulted in a heavy landing to the left of the runway. The aircraft bounced multiple times; during the subsequent attempts to stabilize the flight, the pilot applied brakes. The aircraft then struck a slight embankment, causing it to veer into a 44-gallon drum. The impact damaged the nose gear strut and the propeller, eventually causing the aircraft to come to rest on its starboard wing and elevator. Both occupants escaped the wreckage without injury.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance, the runway conditions, and the pilot's maneuvers. The investigation confirmed the aircraft's takeoff weight was approximately 492kg, which was within the maximum certified takeoff mass of 550kg. The investigation also reviewed the environmental conditions, noting a wind from 027 degrees and a cloud base of 2,000 feet.

Findings

  • The pilot attempted a takeoff using a downwind direction (wind from a 4 o'clock position) on an uphill-sloping grass surface.
  • The aircraft failed to reach sufficient airspeed, leading to a stall and subsequent loss of directional control.
  • The takeoff roll was conducted near the aircraft's maximum certified takeoff mass.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to perform a downwind takeoff on an uphill grass runway while operating near the aircraft's maximum weight, which prevented the attainment of necessary takeoff speeds and led to a stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-05-04 Tecnam P92-S Echo accident near Battlefields Country Lodge, ZA?

A private flight departing from Battlefields Country Lodge resulted in an aircraft excursion and collision with a fuel drum after a failed takeoff attempt.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-05-04 involved a Tecnam P92-S Echo, registration ZU-CKE, at Battlefields Country Lodge, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to perform a downwind takeoff on an uphill grass runway while operating near the aircraft's maximum weight, which prevented the attainment of necessary takeoff speeds and led to a stall.

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