Synopsis
On 28 July 2006 at approximately 0915Z, a Cessna T210K aircraft, registration ZS-MVS, was operating a domestic charter flight from Kimberley Aerodrome (FAKM) to Bloemfontein Aerodrome (FABL). The flight was crewed by a pilot holding a valid commercial license, who was accompanied by a security guard. The pilot had accumulated 327.4 total flying hours, with 31 hours on type. The aircraft was configured for landing, and the pilot reported that after a normal approach, the landing gear indicator showed a green light confirming the undercarriage was down.
Incident Narrative
Upon touchdown on the main landing gear, the pilot began releasing back pressure on the control column to lower the nose wheel. The pilot observed that the nose dropped lower than normal and felt the propeller strike the ground. In response, he applied back pressure to lift the nose wheel off the ground and maintained that input until the speed decayed sufficiently before releasing back pressure again. However, during the landing roll, the nose of the aircraft lowered completely, and the pilot realized the nose landing gear had collapsed.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the underside of the fuselage. Neither the pilot nor the passenger reported any injuries.
Operator and Maintenance Information
The operator held a valid Part 135 Operating Certificate, issued on 25 April 2006 and expiring on 9 August 2006. The Civil Aviation Authority last audited the operator prior to the incident on 23 August 2005, with no findings raised. The Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) that certified the last mandatory periodic inspection (MPI) on the aircraft held a valid AMO Approval, expiring on 30 September 2006. According to available records, the CAA conducted an audit of the AMO on 23 September 2005, identifying two findings, which were addressed before the approval was issued.
Probable Cause
The nose landing gear collapsed during the landing roll as a result of the nose landing gear down lock actuator pin which sheared.