What happened
On July 6, 1962, at 15:17 GMT, a Koolhoven FK-50, registered as HB-AMA/EL-ADV, crashed during its departure from Spriggs Payne Airport near Monrovia, Liberia. The aircraft was engaged in a commercial flight involving the transport of passengers and cargo at the time of the accident. The impact resulted in three fatalities, including the pilot and two passengers, and led to the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
Following the accident, the Swiss Federal Aircraft Accident Investigation Commission reviewed the findings provided by the Liberian investigation commission. The investigation established that while the aircraft had been registered in Liberia, it had not been formally de-registered from the Swiss registry. The commission examined the circumstances surrounding the takeoff and the mechanical state of the aircraft to determine the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Findings
Several critical factors contributed to the accident. The investigation identified an engine failure as the primary cause of the crash. This failure was likely triggered by the presence of rainwater within the fuel system. Additionally, the aircraft was operating at a weight significantly exceeding its maximum allowable takeoff limit. The pilot's lack of experience operating multi-engine aircraft was also noted as a contributing factor to the outcome.