Incident Overview
On 16 March 2011 at 1213Z, a Piper PA-34-200 Seneca (registration ZS-SPZ) operated by 43 Air School (Pty) Ltd was conducting a commercial test flight at Port Alfred Aerodrome. The aircraft was on approach for landing on runway 10R when the nose gear failed to extend. The aircraft was substantially damaged, but neither occupant was injured. Weather conditions were fine.
Sequence of Events
During the approach for landing, the nose gear failed to extend. The instructor and student made several unsuccessful attempts to lower the nose wheel, with assistance from senior instructors and maintenance engineers on the ground. It was then decided to retract the main landing gear and land without wheels to minimise damage. As the aircraft crossed the threshold of runway 10R, the propellers were feathered. The touchdown was smooth and gentle; neither propeller was turning on touchdown and neither made contact with the ground. The aircraft came to a halt a few metres from the first touchdown.
Damage
The lower surfaces of the aircraft were substantially damaged. There was no fire and no other damage.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that a fracture in the fibreglass of the wheel bay caused the side of the wheel bay to press against the undercarriage mechanism, preventing the nose wheel from extending. A contributory factor was poor maintenance, as a previous repair to the fibreglass had not been properly prepared.