Accident Details
On 23 March 2006, at 06:40Z, a Cessna U206A departed Richards Bay Aerodrome on a private flight under visual flight rules. The planned route included stops at Pilansberg, Madikwe, and Kruger National Park, with a return to Richards Bay. Adverse weather conditions caused the pilot to divert to Parys Aerodrome. During the takeoff from Parys, the pilot noted insufficient airspeed and a slower climb rate, and attempted to abort the takeoff by returning the aircraft to Runway 06. The runway length was insufficient for a full stop, and the aircraft rolled forward into a grass field beyond the runway end. It then impacted the security wire fence on the aerodrome perimeter and came to rest approximately 50 meters beyond the runway end.
The accident site was located at coordinates S26°53′37.85″ E027°29′55.50″. Meteorological conditions at the time included surface wind from 060° at 10 knots, temperature 18°C, and visibility of 8 kilometers.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, bottom of the engine cowling, cargo pack, and the nose landing gear fork sheared off.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, registration ZS-POR, was a Cessna U206A. The last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) was certified on 18 March 2006 at 6602.25 airframe hours, and all applicable Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins had been complied with. The pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot License with a Cessna U206A type rating endorsed in her logbook.
Probable Cause
The pilot employed the incorrect takeoff procedures.