History of the Flight
On 3 September 2019, a Cessna U206, registration 9J-RHE, departed Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at approximately 11:15 hours local time for a commercial flight operated by Skytrails Limited. The aircraft carried one pilot and four passengers, including two Skytrails staff and three Department of National Parks and Wildlife surveyors. The flight was en route to Mfuwe via Shiwangandu airstrip.
Upon arrival at Shiwangandu, the pilot performed an aerial inspection of the airstrip for wildlife incursions, then conducted a circuit and approached runway 08. During the flare, the aircraft ballooned on touchdown. The pilot attempted a second landing, which again resulted in a balloon. On the third attempt, the aircraft touched down with all three wheels on the ground. Immediately, the nose wheel separated and rolled forward, as observed by the pilot and passengers. The fork then contacted the ground, dragging on the oleo strut until it collapsed, and the propeller struck the runway surface approximately on the centerline. The aircraft slid to a stop, and all five occupants exited without injuries. The pilot contacted Skytrails base, which reported the accident to the Civil Aviation Authority.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained significant damage: the baggage pod was detached, the belly skin was torn, and the nose landing gear strut was broken. The torque links detached from the strut, and the body-to-strut link broke off from the oleo strut. The lower skin aft of the engine cowling was ripped off, exposing the main frame structure. All three propeller blades were bent backward, indicating the engine was still running during ground impact and the initial slide. The nose gear wheel bearings and sleeve were loose; the tire remained inflated. The axle bolt showed signs of corrosion and was detached from the nut, with no split pin found. The axle bolt and spacer between the fork and shock strut attachment also exhibited corrosion. Fairing strips at the wing root had missing or loose screws on both sides. The side-lining panel near the entry door was broken. The aircraft was assessed as repairable subject to non-destructive testing and structural inspections.
Injuries
No injuries were reported among the five occupants or any persons outside the aircraft.
Conclusion
The investigation concluded that the accident was due to the collapse of the nose landing gear.