Incident Details
On 21 May 2010, at 1100Z, a Cessna 210 L (registration ZS-PNG) operated by Chata Ranch Family Trust was landing on Runway 17 at Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC) in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The pilot, a 53-year-old private pilot with 1007 total flying hours and 600 hours on type, had departed from Krugersdorp Aerodrome (FAKR) on a private flight.
According to the pilot, he performed a pre-landing checklist and lowered the landing gear while on downwind. He observed the green down-locked light illuminated. However, after touchdown, the landing gear collapsed. The propeller struck the runway, and the aircraft skidded approximately 192 metres before veering to the right edge of the runway. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the lower fuselage. The pilot was uninjured.
Air traffic control at Grand Central reported that the aircraft landed normally until it began skidding on its belly; emergency services were alerted and responded.
Investigation Findings
A post-incident inspection and retraction test conducted by an approved aircraft maintenance organisation revealed that the landing gear operated normally, with no mechanical failure found. The landing gear warning system was faulty: the micro switch wire had separated from the switch, causing the warning horn to fail. The aircraft had flown only 3.7 hours since its last mandatory periodic inspection.
Despite the pilot's report that the landing gear was lowered, the gear remained retracted during approach and landing. The investigation found no evidence of damage to the hydraulic system or other mechanical malfunction.
Conclusion
The incident was attributed to the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear prior to landing.