What happened
On October 4, 2002, a PA24-400, registered as ZS-DZZ, departed from Lanseria Airport for a flight near Britz. The purpose of the mission was to conduct an operational test of a newly installed Garmin 430 avionics system. The pilot was accompanied by an avionics technician during the flight.
Roughly 15 minutes into the flight, the aircraft experienced a partial radio failure, followed by the complete failure of the avionments system. In response to these complications, the pilot decided to divert to Rustenburg Aerodrome. During the approach, while extending the landing gear, the aircraft suffered a total electrical failure. The pilot subsequently deployed the emergency undercarriage extension system, and visual indicators suggested the gear was down and locked.
Upon touchdown at Rustenburg, the aircraft traveled approximately 150 meters before the right-hand main undercarriage collapsed. This was immediately followed by the collapse of both the nose and left-hand main undercarriage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the electrical malfunction and the subsequent gear failure. Investigators examined the aircraft's electrical components and found that the 90-amp circuit protector, which connects the alternator and voltage regulator, was severely worn and loose. This condition caused arcing and a short circuit within the protector.
Records indicated that the aircraft's last Maintenance Program Inspection (MPI) had been completed on May 9, 2002, approximately 16 hours of flight time prior to this incident. The pilot was found to be properly licensed with the necessary type endorsement.