What happened
On 05 March 2008, a Cessna 210 N, registration ZS-OWD, was conducting a scheduled commercial flight from Wonderboom Aerodrome to O.R. Tambo International Airport. During the final approach to Runway 03R, the pilot requested a high-speed approach to maintain speed and manage following traffic. To achieve this, the pilot configured the aircraft with 10° of flaps but left the undercarriage in the up position.
As the aircraft neared the runway surface, the pilot selected an additional 10° of flaps but failed to extend the landing gear. Upon realizing the error just before touchdown, the pilot applied full power in an attempt to climb. However, the aircraft descended sufficiently to cause the propeller blades to strike the runway, followed by contact between the lower fuselage skin and the pavement. The pilot subsequently extended the gear, confirmed the green lights, and successfully completed a second landing on the same runway.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID established that the pilot was engaged in an unofficial training session with a passenger, who was the operator's Safety Officer, during the flight. This distraction, combined with the pilot's focus on managing crosswind conditions and the high-speed approach, contributed to the oversight. The investigation also revealed that the aircraft's audible landing gear warning system was unserviceable, meaning no alert was triggered in the cockpit.
Furthermore, the inquiry identified several regulatory discrepancies. The aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness restricted it to Part 91 operations, yet it was being operated under Part 135. Additionally, investigators found that maintenance records for the aircraft were not being kept in accordance with manufacturer requirements, and the aircraft's mass and balance certificate had expired.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was that the pilot forgot to select the landing gear control lever to the down position.
- The cockpit's audible landing gear warning system was inoperative.
- The pilot was distracted by providing unofficial instrument flying instruction to a passenger.
- The aircraft was being operated in violation of its Certificate of Airworthiness restrictions.
- Maintenance practices for the aircraft did not comply with regulatory or manufacturer standards.