What happened
On 09 January 2010, a Maraboli Stork aircraft, registration ZU-CWW, was involved in an accident at Rhino Park Aerodrome. Following a private flight from Petit Aerodrome, the pilot intended to return to the same location. Due to heavy rain the previous day, the primary runway surface was muddy and waterlogged. To avoid the compromised runway, the pilot elected to perform the takeoff from a grass area situated to the left of Runway 03.
The takeoff roll commenced at the intersection of Runway 03/21 and Runway 19/27, leaving only approximately 200 metres of usable ground before encountering obstacles. During the initial stages of the roll, the aircraft began veering to the left. Despite the pilot applying right rudder to maintain the centerline, the aircraft continued to drift. As the aircraft reached a speed of 55 mph, the pilot rotated the aircraft in ground effect to avoid the hangars located at the end of the runway. However, the aircraft failed to establish a rightward turn and the left wing struck a hangar structure at a height of roughly 3.5 metres, causing the aircraft to strike the hangar wall with its nose.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the aircraft, the aerodrome conditions, and the pilot's decision-making process. The investigation confirmed that the two occupants sustained no injuries. The aircraft suffered substantial damage, including the destruction of the propeller and the left wing, rendering it unairworthy. The hangar also sustained minor structural damage.
The investigation looked into the suitability of the takeoff surface and the aerodrome's infrastructure. It was noted that Rhino Park is a privately managed, unlicensed aerodrome. Investigators found that the hangars were positioned closer to Runway 03 than the recommended minimum safety distance of 40 metres. Furthermore, the lack of a storm-water drainage system contributed to the hazardous, waterlogged state of the runway and adjacent grass.
Findings
- The pilot attempted a takeoff from an unprepared, waterlogged grass surface.
- The takeoff roll was initiated at a runway intersection, which significantly reduced the available distance to abort the maneuver.
- A crosswind component caused the aircraft to drift toward the left side of the intended path.
- The pilot's attempts to correct the directional deviation using rudder and aileron were ineffective due to insufficient airspeed and rudder authority.
- The proximity of the hangar to the runway end left no margin for error during the loss of directional control.