Incident Overview
On 22 June 2006 at 1050Z, a Piper PA 31-350, registration ZS-JTX, operated as a commercial charter flight, executed a wheels-up landing on Runway 16 at Mala-Mala Aerodrome (FAMD). The aircraft was on a short 5 nm flight from Chitwa-Chitwa Aerodrome (FACC) to pick up additional passengers for a transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (FAKN). The pilot, who was the sole crew member, had five passengers on board. There were no injuries to any persons on board, and the aircraft damage was limited to the propellers, underfuselage, and flaps.
Flight Details
The pilot reported an uneventful takeoff from FACC. Due to the short flying distance of approximately 5 nm and a flight time of about 4 minutes, he opted not to change the take-off configuration of the aircraft. However, he habitually raised the undercarriage. The pilot joined the final approach for Runway 16 at FAMD. Under the pressure of being behind schedule, he neglected to deploy the undercarriage, resulting in a wheels-up landing.
Landing and Damage
Upon touchdown, the aircraft slid to a stop on the tarred runway. The pilot immediately switched off all electrical equipment, shut off fuel supplies, closed the fuel firewall shut-off valves, and evacuated the passengers through the rear door. The aircraft sustained damage to the propellers, the underfuselage, and the flaps. There were no injuries to the pilot or passengers.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot held a valid commercial pilot license and a valid non-restricted medical certificate expiring on 28 February 2007. He had 2882.3 total flying hours, including 521.4 hours on type. The aircraft was a Piper PA 31-350 with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness expiring on 29 March 2007. The last Mandatory Periodic Inspection was certified on 3 June 2006 at 11719.8 airframe hours, with an additional 9 hours accumulated since. The operator held a valid Air Operating Certificate expiring on 9 August 2006.
The weather at the time of the incident was reported as surface wind southerly/light, temperature 23°C, and visibility greater than 10 km.