What happened
On 17 June 2017, a Dromader M-18, registration ZS-NKJ, was preparing for takeoff from the Warburton Fire Base in Mpumalanga Province. The aircraft, operated by Platorand Lugbespuiting, was performing commercial firefighting duties and was carrying a full load of water in its hopper tank.
As the pilot initiated the takeoff roll on runway 1t, the tail of the aircraft lifted. At this moment, a powerful gust of wind struck the aircraft from the right side. This sudden force lifted the right wing and caused the aircraft to bounce. The pilot was unable to maintain control, resulting in the aircraft veering left and exiting the runway. The pilot escaped the incident without injury, but the aircraft suffered significant damage, including bent propeller blades and the failure of both main landing gear struts after striking the ground.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight conditions and the aircraft's mechanical state. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid commercial license with the appropriate type rating and that the aircraft possessed a valid certificate of airworthiness.
Meteorological data from the South African Weather Service indicated that while the pilot's assessment of the wind via the windsock was relatively accurate, the region was experiencing significant atmospheric instability. Although no local station was at the base, data from nearby Ermelo confirmed a westerly wind of 15 knots with gusts reaching between 27 and 30 knots. Notably, a severe turbulence SIGMET had been issued for the Mpumalanga region covering the period of the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control triggered by a sudden, strong wind gust from the right during the takeoff roll.
- The aircraft was operating at maximum weight capacity with a full hopper tank.
- Severe turbulence was present in the area at the time of the incident.