2007 Beech Bonanza 36 accident at Haina Ventures Aerodrome (ZS-DEN)

Overview and Flight Details On 13 July 2007, a Beech Bonanza 36 with registration ZS-DEN was involved in an accident at Haina Ventures Aerodrome in Botswana. The aircraft was operating a private flight from Seretse Khama Aerodrome to Haina Ventures Aerodrome. The pilot-in-command held a valid private pilot licence, with the aircraft type endorsed, and possessed a valid medical certificate. The pilot had 773.6 total flying hours and 48 hours on type. ## Accident Sequence The pilot reported that after touchdown on Runway 22, the aircraft appeared to balloon. She increased engine power but then experienced what seemed to be a whirlwind. The aircraft lifted off the runway without pilot input and pitched over to the left. The left wingtip struck a small ridge on the left side of the runway, causing the aircraft to be flung further left. It came to rest in a thorn tree beside the runway. ## Damage and Injuries The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the undercarriage, wings, propeller, and engine. There were four people on board: the pilot and three passengers. No fatalities or injuries were reported. ## Meteorological and Maintenance Information At the time of the accident, surface wind was 140° at 30 knots, temperature was 25°C, and visibility was good. The last Mandatory Periodic Inspection was certified on 15 September 2006 at 1,431.1 airframe hours, with an additional 55.3 hours accumulated since. All airworthiness directives and service bulletins recorded on the inspection report had been complied with. ## Investigation Status The probable cause was to be determined by the State of Occurrence as stipulated in ICAO Annexure 13, Chapter 5, Paragraph 5.1. The Botswana DCA was investigating the accident.