What happened
On 9 February 2022, a Beechcraft Baron 58, registration ZS-MRL, departed from Saldanha Aerodrome (FASD) bound for George Aerodrome (FAGG). During the initial climb, the pilot attempted to retract the landing gear but noticed that the cockpit panel failed to show the expected gear-up and locked indication.
Seeking clarification, the pilot flew past the control tower at the nearby Langebaanweg Military Airforce Base (FALW) to request a visual inspection from air traffic control. While controllers reported that the gear appeared to be extended, the pilot remained uncertain and decided to return to Saldanha. Before attempting to land, the pilot utilized the emergency manual extension crank to ensure the gear was properly seated; however, the cockpit still failed to display the three green lights indicating a locked status.
Despite the lack of positive indication, the pilot proceeded with the landing on Runway 20. Upon touchdown, the landing gear collapsed. The aircraft slid along the runway on its underbelly before veering into the grass on the left side of the runway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its wings, propeller, and underbelly, though the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
The SACAA AIID investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the sequence of the gear deployment failure. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the last mandatory periodic inspection (MPI) had been completed only 8.1 hours prior to the accident. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's electrical systems and the pilot's actions during the emergency.
Findings
- The primary cause of the landing gear collapse was that the gear was not in the down and locked position.
- The failure was triggered by the landing gear motor burning out, which subsequently caused the gear circuit breaker to trip.
- The investigation could not establish the specific reason why the electric motor failed.
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident were fine and did not contribute to the event.