Accident Details
On 9 September 2021, a Piper PA-24-260 Comanche with registration ZS-EFF departed Rand Aerodrome (FAGM), Gauteng Province, on a private flight. The aircraft was operated by a pilot holding an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) with 13,022.5 total flying hours, including 65.9 hours on type. An aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) was on board to monitor instrumentation, as the aircraft had not been flown for approximately four months and 24 days, though regular engine run-ups were performed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Flight and Electrical Issue
After takeoff, the aircraft climbed to 6,500 feet and later to 7,000 feet while cruising at 155 knots. Approximately 40 minutes into the flight, the battery voltage surged to 9.2 volts, then fluctuated between 9.2 and 11.4 volts, with a discharge of 32.3 amps and the red discharge light illuminated. The duo decided to return to FAGM. Engine indications remained within limits. The AME took a video of the instrument panel; no circuit breakers had popped.
Landing and Gear Collapse
On final approach, the pilot extended the flaps and lowered the landing gear lever. As a precaution, the AME opened the cockpit floor hatch and pulled the manual emergency gear extension lever. The red discharge light remained on, and no green down-and-locked indicator illuminated. The aircraft touched down approximately 40 meters beyond the runway threshold at 130 knots. During the landing roll, after about 60 meters, the landing gear collapsed, and the propeller blades struck the runway. The aircraft slid on its belly to the right, exited the runway, and stopped about 5 meters from the runway edge. Both occupants vacated the aircraft without assistance. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Post-Accident Examination
Post-accident examination of the propeller blades indicated the engine was producing substantial power at impact. The aircraft was recovered and placed on jacks. Inspection of the motor and transmission assembly revealed no external damage; the landing gear screw jack was normal and well lubricated. Retraction and extension tests could not be performed due to a damaged nose gear actuating rod. However, video from a previous 100-hour mandatory periodic inspection showed the landing gear moving freely with the green light illuminating. On 13 September 2021, an approved maintenance organisation inspected the electrical system. A panel on the left of the pilot's side was opened, revealing a loose screw securing the cable ring lug to the master switch. The cable had detached from the master switch body. This cable controls the aircraft's charging system, and the defect was directly linked to the electronic failure, as the charging system was not maintaining bus and battery voltage at operating levels.
Maintenance Records
Examination of the aircraft's flight folio and maintenance records showed no outstanding defects or relevant maintenance entries. The aircraft had undergone a 100-hour mandatory periodic inspection on 26 March 2021 at 2,332.6 airframe hours. The accident occurred at 2,336.9 airframe hours, indicating 4.3 hours of flight since the inspection. The pilot held a valid Class 1 medical certificate with a restriction to wear hearing protection.