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Landing Gear Malfunction During Landing at Rand Aerodrome (ZS-NKR)

Runway 11 at Rand Aerodrome, ZA

On March 5, 2003, a PA-30 (registration ZS-NKR) was involved in an aviation accident near Runway 11 at Rand Aerodrome, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The most probable cause for the undercarriage electrical motor circuit breaker to trip was that the electrical motor had overheated as a result of an overload due to a too high airspeed when the undercarriage was lowered prior to landing. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

On 5 March 2003, a PA-30 (ZS-NKR) on a domestic charter flight experienced a landing gear malfunction during landing at Rand Aerodrome. The pilot attempted to extend the gear manually but failed, resulting in a landing with gear not down and locked. No injuries.

Overview

On 5 March 2003 at 0640Z, a PA-30 aircraft registered ZS-NKR was operating a domestic charter flight from Nelspruit Aerodrome (FANS) to Rand Aerodrome (FAGM). The pilot, who held a commercial license with 780.8 total flying hours and 102.0 hours on type, was the sole occupant. The weather was fine with scattered clouds and wind 070/5kt.

Sequence of Events

During the downwind leg for landing on Runway 11 at Rand Aerodrome, the pilot selected the undercarriage to the down position. The undercarriage failed to extend properly, and the electrical motor circuit breaker (CB) tripped with the undercarriage only partially extended. The pilot reset the circuit breaker three times, allowing approximately 2 minutes for the electrical motor to cool down, but the circuit breaker kept tripping. He then disengaged the electrical motor from the undercarriage torque tube system and attempted to lower the undercarriage using the manual extension lever, but to no avail. During a fly-past, air traffic control confirmed that the landing gear was only partially extended. The pilot was committed to execute a landing with the undercarriage not down and locked.

Probable Cause

The most probable cause for the undercarriage electrical motor circuit breaker to trip was that the electrical motor had overheated as a result of an overload due to a too high airspeed when the undercarriage was lowered prior to landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Mar 2003 PA-30 accident near Runway 11 at Rand Aerodrome, ZA?

On 5 March 2003, a PA-30 (ZS-NKR) on a domestic charter flight experienced a landing gear malfunction during landing at Rand Aerodrome. The pilot attempted to extend the gear manually but failed, resulting in a landing with gear not down and locked. No injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Mar 2003 PA-30 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Mar 2003 involved a PA-30, registration ZS-NKR, at Runway 11 at Rand Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The most probable cause for the undercarriage electrical motor circuit breaker to trip was that the electrical motor had overheated as a result of an overload due to a too high airspeed when the undercarriage was lowered prior to landing.

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