What happened
On 11 August 2022, a Mooney M-20M, registration ZS-TLS, was conducting a private flight departing from Port Elizabeth International Airport (FAPE) in the Eastern Cape. The flight, operated under Part 91 regulations, was being flown by a pilot with 30.1 hours on this specific type. After completing an initial circuit and a touch-and-go, the pilot was instructed by Air Traffic Control to expedite the approach to accommodate inbound scheduled traffic.
While performing the second circuit, the pilot transitioned to final approach but realized the aircraft was too high, leading to a decision to execute another touch-and-go. As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, a loud grinding noise and visible sparks occurred as the underbelly made contact with the runway. The aircraft slid several meters before coming to a stop. Upon inspection, the pilot discovered the landing gear control lever had been left in the UP position. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage, including bent propeller blades and scratches to the fuselage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the aircraft and the pilot's actions following the incident. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and that the landing gear system, including the retraction mechanism and the warning horn, was fully functional. Post-accident testing showed the gear could be lowered and locked without anomaly.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's credentials and the aircraft's maintenance history, finding that the pilot was properly licensed and the aircraft had undergone its 100-hour inspection recently. The investigation focused on why the landing gear warning horn failed to alert the pilot to the unsafe configuration.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the landing gear lever was not moved to the down position during the final approach.
- The pilot failed to perform the required downwind checks as outlined in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH).
- The pilot's attempt to comply with ATC instructions to hasten the approach contributed to the oversight.
- It is possible the aircraft was on a high-power setting during the approach to maintain speed; because the manifold pressure was likely above 12 inches, the landing gear warning horn did not activate to alert the crew.