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Casualties unknown

2005-04-22: Rockwell Commander 112 (ZS-JRY) — Runway 35, Port Elizabeth Aerodrome, ZA

Runway 35, Port Elizabeth Aerodrome, ZA

On April 22, 2005, a Rockwell Commander 112 (registration ZS-JRY) was involved in an aviation accident near Runway 35, Port Elizabeth Aerodrome, ZA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It would appear that the cause of the nose landing gear failing to extend could be attributed to the nose landing gear doors being sticky or got stuck for a reason that could not be determined due to the fact that the doors and attachments were substantially… 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 1785104676Data APIEditorial standards

On 22 April 2005, a Rockwell Commander 112 (ZS-JRY) made a wheels-up landing on Runway 35 at Port Elizabeth Aerodrome after the nose landing gear failed to extend. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. Damage was limited to the nose gear doors, lower engine cowling, lower fuselage, and propeller.

Incident Overview

On 22 April 2005, at approximately 1045Z, a Rockwell Commander 112, registration ZS-JRY, was involved in a wheels-up landing incident on Runway 35 at Port Elizabeth Aerodrome (FAPE). The aircraft was being operated on a private flight with a single person on board. There were no injuries or fatalities.

Sequence of Events

The pilot departed Progress Aerodrome (FAPZ) at approximately 1100Z on a private flight to the general flying area. After being airborne for approximately 1½ hours, he returned to FAPZ for a full stop landing. During downwind vital actions, the pilot realized that the landing gear was not functioning properly: the nose landing gear indicator light failed to illuminate and the landing gear unsafe light indicated a problem. The pilot twice attempted to extend the landing gear using the emergency gear extension procedure but failed to obtain an indication that all three wheels were down and locked.

He then requested permission from Progress aerodrome to conduct a low-level fly pass so that maintenance personnel could assess the landing gear configuration from the ground. It was confirmed that the nose gear was in the up position. The pilot decided to divert to FAPE for an emergency wheels-up landing, as the necessary emergency personnel and equipment were available there. The aircraft was cleared for landing on Runway 35. The landing gear was retracted, the flaps were selected up, and the engine was switched off just before touchdown. The aircraft came to a halt on the centerline of the runway.

Damage and Investigation

Damage was limited to the nose gear doors, lower engine cowling, lower fuselage, and propeller. The aircraft was recovered by an aircraft maintenance organization (AMO) at FAPE and taken to a hangar where several retraction and extension tests were conducted after placing the aircraft on jacks with the nose landing gear doors removed. According to the AMO report, the landing gear system, including the emergency system, functioned satisfactorily during the entire test procedure. However, the system was tested without the nose landing gear doors installed.

The weather at the time of the incident was: surface wind 230/15 knots, temperature 21°C, dew-point 9°C, and CAVOK conditions.

Probable cause

It would appear that the cause of the nose landing gear failing to extend could be attributed to the nose landing gear doors being sticky or got stuck for a reason that could not be determined due to the fact that the doors and attachments were substantially damaged during the wheels-up landing.

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