What happened
On 6 February 2012, a Dromader PZL-M18A aircraft, registration ZS-NLR, was participating in aerial firefighting operations at the Pearly Beach aerodrome in the Western Cape. After a day of dropping water on local fires, the aircraft was preparing to return to its home base at Andrew’s aerodrome.
During the takeoff from runway 30, the aircraft became airborne but briefly sank back toward the runway, touching down on its right main wheel. Following this contact, the aircraft entered a steep right roll. The pilot attempted to correct the attitude, but the right wing struck indigenous vegetation, leading to a ground impact. The aircraft sustained extensive damage, including the separation of the engine and propeller. The pilot, who was wearing a flight helmet, sustained minor injuries but was able to exit the wreckage unassisted before being airlifted to a hospital.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the cockpit and the mechanical state of the control system. The investigation focused on why the pilot was unable to maintain lateral control during the critical moments of takeoff. Investigators found that the control stick's lateral movement was severely restricted.
Upon inspection of the cockpit, it was discovered that the control stick locking mechanism had moved into a position where it was physically jamming against the control stick. The investigation also looked into the condition of the hardware intended to keep this mechanism in a stowed position.