What happened
On 17 February 2008, a Cessna U206F, registration ZS-PWN, was performing a domestic charter flight from Garonga Safari Camp. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and two passengers, intended for a flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Aerodrome.
During the take-off roll on runway 18, the pilot chose to avoid a section of the runway containing stones by starting the roll approximately 100 meters past the threshold. As the aircraft reached rotation speed, a loud bang was heard from the front of the plane. Unsure of the cause, the pilot elected to abort the take-off. While attempting to decelerate on the remaining runway surface, the aircraft began to veer left and overran the end of the grass runway. The aircraft subsequently struck a tree and several dry tree stumps. The impact caused the nose gear assembly to fracture and the propeller to strike the ground. One passenger sustained a minor ankle injury, while the pilot and the other passenger were uninjured.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's maintenance records. The investigation focused on the source of the loud noise heard by the pilot and the factors contributing to the runway excursion. Physical examination of the propeller revealed damage consistent with an impact by a foreign object, such as a stone. Microscopic analysis of sediment found in an indentation on a propeller blade confirmed the presence of stone-like material.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the runway conditions at Garonga Safari Camp, noting that the aerodrome was an unlicensed private facility. Investigators also reviewed the pilot's decision-making regarding the aborted take-off and the use of the available runway length.