What happened
On 8 August 2022, a Beechcraft Baron 58, registration ZS-OAB, was performing the final leg of a multi-stop business flight. After visiting Delmas and Secunda Aerodromes, the aircraft returned to Richmond Aerodrome in KwaZulu-Natal. The flight was being conducted under visual meteorological conditions by a pilot with an Airline Transport Pilot Licence and two passengers.
During the approach to Runway 11, the pilot noted animals on the runway, which led to a deeper touchdown than intended. While the initial contact with the runway was normal, the left wing suddenly dropped, followed by the collapse of the left main landing gear. This impact caused the left propeller blades to strike the ground, creating significant drag that forced the aircraft to yaw left. The sequence continued as the right main gear and the nose gear also collapsed. The aircraft eventually came to a halt in a ditch adjacent to the runway. While there were no fatalities or injuries to the occupants, the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its underbelly, fuselage, propeller blades, and undercarriage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history and the circumstances of the landing. The aircraft had undergone a periodic maintenance inspection only 12 hours prior to the accident, and all airworthiness directives were up to date. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting a valid Class 1 medical certificate and significant experience on this aircraft type.
Technical inspections of the undercarriage revealed that the push arms used to extend the gear were bent. Investigators also noted that the landing gear doors had detached during the event, and the right engine had made contact with the ground during the collapse sequence.
Findings
- The pilot chose not to perform a go-around because she believed there was sufficient runway remaining to stop safely after clearing the animals.
- The main landing gears were likely still in the process of extending (in transit) during touchdown, preventing them from being locked in place and allowing them to collapse into the wheel wells upon impact.
- The presence of animals on the runway caused a deep landing, which may have served as a distraction during the critical landing phase.