History of the Flight
On 10 November 2019, a Beechcraft Baron 55, registration 9J-KMN, operated by Staravia Air Charters, departed from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport as a commercial chartered flight to Chunga aerodrome. The flight carried one pilot and four passengers. The aircraft was cleared for departure at about 15:50 hours local time. At approximately 16:50 hours, the pilot approached Chunga airstrip from the southeastern direction, performed a normal airstrip inspection with a right teardrop heading to runway 080 degrees for landing. The flight was uneventful until the final approach.
Accident Sequence
Upon touchdown, the left main wheel collapsed, causing the aircraft to exit the runway to the left. The pilot stated he attempted to control the aircraft but was unable as the left propeller began hitting the ground. The pilot then shut down both engines. The aircraft continued and struck several trees, which brought it to a stop. The accident occurred at about 17:10 hours local time. All passengers and crew exited the aircraft without injury.
Aircraft and Personnel Information
The Beechcraft Baron 55, serial number TH-153, is a twin-engine aircraft with Teledyne Continental IO-520C engines and Hartzell variable-pitch propellers. It was issued a Certificate of Airworthiness on 12 August 2019, valid until August 2020, and was confirmed airworthy. The pilot held a Commercial Pilot License with a total of 1,721.00 hours logged, including 227.00 hours on piston twins. His type ratings included the Beechcraft Baron 55/58.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was extensively damaged and beyond economic repair. Damage included both propellers, both landing gear, left and right wings, flaps, and the nose section. No post-crash fire occurred. There were no injuries; all occupants were transferred to a local game lodge.
Investigation Findings
The investigation team concluded that the cause of the accident was due to the pilot misjudging his approach speed which was high as he came in to land. Further, other possible contributory and latent factors were identified.
Additional Information
Meteorological conditions at Chunga Aerodrome included clear sky and light winds. The airstrip has no navigation aids, and landing was conducted under Visual Flight Rules. The aircraft was not equipped with a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder. The cockpit analysis showed the left propeller lever in the forward position while other controls were in cutoff, and the right pedal was pushed forward.
Conclusion
The accident resulted from a high approach speed leading to a left main wheel collapse upon landing.