Incident Overview
On 5 March 2008 at 0915Z, a Cessna 210 N, registration ZS-OWD, operated by Aviation-AT-Work (Pty) Ltd, was involved in a landing incident on Runway 03R at O.R. Tambo International Airport. The aircraft was conducting a scheduled domestic instrument flight rules (IFR) flight by day from Wonderboom Aerodrome. On board were the pilot and two passengers. No injuries were sustained, and the aircraft damage was minor.
History of the Flight
The flight between Wonderboom and O.R. Tambo was uneventful. After being cleared to land on Runway 03R, the pilot performed final checks, leaving the landing gear in the "gear up" position and selecting 10° flaps. During final approach, just before touchdown, the pilot selected another 10° flaps but again left the gear up. Realising the gear was not extended, the pilot applied full power, but the aircraft sank, causing the propeller blades to strike the runway. The aircraft then climbed, though the fuselage bottom skin contacted the runway. The pilot immediately selected gear down and, after confirming the gear was locked, landed safely. The aircraft exited the runway onto "S" taxiway, and the pilot reported "Ops Normal" to ATC.
Injuries and Damage
There were no injuries to the pilot or passengers. The aircraft sustained minor damage limited to the bottom engine cowlings and propeller.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the incident was the pilot's failure to select the landing gear control lever to the "gear down" position, resulting in the aircraft touching the runway surface with the wheels in the extended "gear up" position.