What happened
On 24 February 2022, a Piper PA30, registration ZS-OBA, was conducting training maneuvers at Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC) in Gauteng. The flight, operated under Part 1/41 regulations, involved an instructor and a student pilot who were performing circuit training exercises. This particular flight was part of the student's second training session while converting from single-engine to twin-engine aircraft.
After departing Runway 35 at 0900Z, the crew completed two circuits and downwind checks. During the third circuit, the crew became preoccupied with two single-engine aircraft positioned ahead of them in the circuit. While attempting to maintain separation and managing the aircraft's speed, the crew's downwind leg was extended. This resulted in an unstable approach characterized by a higher-than-normal altitude and an approach speed approximately 15 mph faster than the standard 90 mph.
As the aircraft transitioned to short final, the crew focused on correcting the glide slope. During this period, the required CPUFF checklists—which include verifying the undercarriage is down and locked—were not completed. The crew only realized the landing gear remained retracted during the flare, at which point the aircraft continued to sink and impacted the runway on its belly. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft's propellers and lower airframe, though there were no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the approach and the cockpit environment. The investigation established that the instructor was distracted by the presence of other aircraft in the circuit and the necessity of correcting the student pilot's unstable approach. Post-accident testing confirmed that both the landing gear and the undercarriage warning horn were fully operational, indicating that the failure to deploy the gear was a procedural error rather than a mechanical failure.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure of the crew to lower the landing gear before touchdown.
- The instructor's attention was diverted by managing traffic separation and stabilizing the aircraft's flight path.
- The critical CPUFF checklist was not performed in a timely manner prior to landing.
Safety action
While no formal safety recommendations were issued, the incident serves as a safety message for pilots to maintain focus on essential flight tasks, particularly during the critical phases of takeoff and landing, to prevent property damage or injury.