What happened
On 7 June 2002, a Cessna 335, registration ZS-MZT, was performing a private ferry flight from Vereeniging Aerodrome (FAVV) to Lanseria Aerodrome (FALA). The flight was being conducted under a Special Flight Permit, which had been issued on 31 May 2002 to allow the aircraft to reach a facility for a Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI).
During the takeoff roll from Runway 03, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground in a tail-low attitude approximately 400 meters beyond the end of the runway. The pilot sustained a minor injury, specifically a small laceration above the right eye, but escaped the wreckage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the mechanical state of the aircraft's powerplants and the flight conditions at the time of the accident. The meteorological conditions were favorable, with visibility rated as CAVOK and light winds from the northeast.
Technical analysis focused on the engine performance during the takeoff phase. It was determined that the aircraft was already overdue for its MPI, as the previous inspection had been certified over a year prior, despite only eight hours of flight time having elapsed since that certification.
Findings
- The investigation established that both turbochargers were non-operational during the takeoff sequence.
- The failure of the turbochargers prevented the engines from generating the necessary power for a safe climb.
- Because the engines could not produce full power, the aircraft was unable to achieve a positive rate of climb, leading to the impact in the runway overrun area.