Introduction
On 13 August 2023, at 1325Z, a Cessna 177 RG aircraft, registration ZS-TKP, experienced a gear-up landing at Prince Albert Airport (FAPC) in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The flight was conducted under Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations as a private sightseeing flight, with visual meteorological conditions prevailing.
Flight Details
The pilot, a 45-year-old male holding an Airline Transport Pilot Licence with 6722 total flight hours (17.1 on type), was accompanied by a passenger with no flying experience. The aircraft had a Certificate of Airworthiness issued on 18 May 2022, with an expiry date of 31 May 2024, and its last maintenance inspection occurred on 10 May 2023 at 4375.4 airframe hours. No defects were reported prior to the flight.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, the sightseeing flight proceeded normally. Upon return, the aircraft joined the circuit without anomalies. On final approach, the pilot set the flaps to 30 degrees. During touchdown, the pilot realized the landing gear had not been extended. The aircraft maintained the centerline but the nose turned left before coming to a stop. The pilot stated that he omitted reading and carrying out the landing items on the checklist. He also reported not hearing the landing gear warning horn. The passenger did not recall hearing any horn sound. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the underbelly and propeller blades. No injuries were reported.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence (issued 3 March 2010) and a Commercial Pilot Licence (issued 10 June 2023, valid until 30 June 2024), along with a valid Class 2 medical certificate. The aircraft was airworthy at departure. A check of the landing gear warning horn system conducted by the aircraft maintenance organisation found it serviceable. The probable cause was identified as the pilot forgetting to lower the landing gear due to not reading or completing the landing checklist items prescribed in the Pilot's Operating Handbook.
Probable Cause
According to the investigation, the pilot forgot to lower the landing gears due to not reading or completing the landing checklist items prescribed in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook.