What happened
On January 25, 2002, at approximately 0810Z, a BEECH BE58, registration ZS-KMN, was involved in an incident during a proficiency check ride at FAWB. The flight was being conducted by a Chief Training Captain with the intent of completing a scheduled operator proficiency check.
During a touch-and-go landing sequence, the pilot under training applied power to initiate a go-around maneuver. During this transition, a critical error occurred when the pilot mistakenly retracted the landing gear instead of the flaps. This error caused the aircraft to lose sufficient lift and sink back toward the runway surface. As the aircraft descended, the tips of both propellers made contact with the runway. Despite the impact, the pilot managed to pull the aircraft back into the air, completed the circuit, and performed a successful landing.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the maneuver and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the weather conditions were favorable, with a 10-knot easterly wind. The aircraft was found to be maintained according to prescribed intervals, with the next maintenance inspection due in late December 2002. At the time of the incident, the aircraft had flown only 18 hours since its last major inspection. The operator held a valid operating certificate, and the pilot in command was highly experienced, holding an ATP license.
Findings
- The primary cause of the propeller strike was that the pilot under training inadvertently retracted the landing gear instead of the flaps during the go-around attempt.
- There were no fatalities and no injuries resulting from the incident.