On June 21, 2002, a Piper PA 28R-180 (registration ZS-FOJ) was involved in an aviation accident near On Runway 10 at Nylstroom Aerodrome, ZA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The undercarriage failed to extend because the electrical motor that drives the hydraulic system was not operative due to the field wire from the alternator to the voltage regulator that failed. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.
On June 21, 2002, a Piper PA 28R-180 (ZS-FOJ) on a training flight suffered complete electrical failure 15nm from Nylstroom. The pilot used emergency gear extension, but the right main gear collapsed on landing; no injuries.
Incident Overview
On 21 June 2002 at 1600Z, a Piper PA 28R-180 (registration ZS-FOJ) was on a training flight. The aircraft had two persons on board (1+1). The weather was fine with temperature +8°C, cloud base 9000ft, and dew point -10°C. The incident occurred on Runway 10 at Nylstroom Aerodrome during the landing phase.
Sequence of Events
The pilot experienced complete electrical failure 15 nautical miles from Nylstroom Aerodrome (FANY). The pilot attempted to lower the undercarriage by utilizing the conventional undercarriage extension system. The pilot followed the emergency procedures to extend the undercarriage. On landing, the starboard main landing gear collapsed. No injuries or fatalities were reported; both occupants were uninjured.
Probable Cause
The undercarriage failed to extend because the electrical motor that drives the hydraulic system was not operative due to the field wire from the alternator to the voltage regulator that failed.