What happened
On 26 April 2007, a Piper PA28R-200, registration ZS-LVH, was conducting training maneuvers at Wonderboom Aerodrome. The flight, operated by Pretoria Flying School, consisted of an instructor and a student pilot performing Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) approaches. Following a successful touch-and-go maneuver with flaps extended, the crew joined the downwind leg for runway 29 and requested a glide approach. During the final approach, the student pilot increased engine power to facilitate a full-flap touch-and-go. However, during this process, the landing gear was not deployed. The aircraft subsequently touched down on runway 29 with the landing gear in the retracted position.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the incident, focusing on the flight sequence and cockpit procedures. The investigation confirmed that the weather conditions were clear with good visibility (CAVOK) and a 15-knot wind, meaning meteorological factors did not contribute to the event. The investigation also reviewed the maintenance and regulatory status of the aircraft. While the Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) had been performed correctly, investigators discovered that the operator had allowed the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness to expire on 2 May 2007.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was that the landing gear remained retracted during touchdown.
- The student pilot failed to extend the landing gear and did not verify the 'three green' lights indication in the cockpit.
- The landing checklist was not properly completed prior to the landing.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the bottom of the fuselage, the flaps, and the nose gear doors.
- There were no injuries to the two occupants.