History of Flight
On 26 August 2021 at 0900Z, a student pilot and an instructor departed Springs Aerodrome (FASI) in a Piper Seneca II (PA-34-200T) aircraft, registration ZS-KFG, for multi-engine type conversion training under Part 141 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations. The flight proceeded to the general flying area (GFA) Hotel Golf Victor (HGV) and returned to FASI. Weather conditions were clear.
During the final approach for landing on Runway 21, the student pilot reported that the landing gear down and locked indication lights illuminated and the gear position was cross-checked via the side mirror. The aircraft touched down a few metres beyond the runway threshold. Approximately three seconds later, during the landing roll, the nose gear collapsed. Both propellers struck the runway surface, and the aircraft skidded on its nose section for approximately 282 metres from the first propeller strike. Neither the student pilot nor the instructor applied the toe brakes to stop the skid.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. Neither occupant was injured.
Probable Cause and Contributory Factors
The investigation determined that the aircraft landed with the main landing gear not in the down and locked position, leading to failure of the nose gear down lock link assembly and subsequent nose gear collapse. Contributory factors included landing with unsafe gear, inadequate maintenance due to unexecuted service manual instructions, and unrecorded hard landings.
Investigation Details
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) was notified on the day of the occurrence. The investigation was conducted in accordance with CAR 2011 Part 12 and ICAO Annex 13. The investigator did not visit the accident site.