Oops

Africa-Air Charter Flight 737-200

The pilot of this Boeing 737 had a night departure from Hoedspruit, South Africa, to Johannesburg.

He proceeded to take the wrong taxiway.
Having arrived at a dead end he then attempted to turn around by reversing (using reverse thrust).

He misjudged and put the main gear off the taxiway.

The aircraft then rolled back down the bank. He then tried to climb out using full power.

With the engines that close to the ground grass and stones were ingested.

If it wasn’t raining the jet blast would probably have set fire to the surrounding bush.

Notice the burnt grassy environment in the last photo.

The aircraft has been written off. The cost of the engines alone exceeded the insured value.
No passengers were on board at the time.


Explanation number 2:

I sent this to my buddy who flies for AA (former F-14 pilot).  He said the lack of passengers onboard may indicate it was a maintainer (shop guy) who may have just supposed to do an engine run up or taxi test.  Can’t see an airline pilot being that dumb, but then again…