Investigation Into Beechcraft Bonanza Landing Gear Failure Unable to Conclude

Casualties unknown • Runway 04, Lydenburg Airfield, Mpumalanga, ZA

A landing gear collapse during takeoff at Lydenburg Airfield resulted in substantial aircraft damage, but the investigation was halted due to the dismantling of the wreckage.

What happened

On 4 November 2023, a Beech G35 Bonanza, registration ZS-DOB, was performing a private flight from Lydenburg Airfield in Mpumalanga province. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and three passengers, was operating under visual meteorological conditions for a local flight within the general flying area.

During the takeoff roll on Runway 04, the aircraft experienced a sudden mechanical failure approximately 500 meters before rotation. The left landing gear collapsed, followed sequentially by the right and nose landing gears. This caused the propeller to strike the runway surface, leading the aircraft to veer left and skid across the grass. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, there were no fatalities and no injuries were reported among the four occupants.

The investigation

An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the environmental conditions, and the mechanical state of the landing gear system. Initial inspections by a maintenance organization revealed damage to the engine lower cowlings, undercarriage covers, and curled propeller blades. The landing gear selector lever was confirmed to be in the down position.

However, the investigation faced a significant obstacle. When the investigator-in-charge attempted to inspect the aircraft in early 2024, they discovered that the aircraft had been sold and subsequently dismantled by the new owner. This action occurred while the aircraft was still under active investigation, representing a violation of South African Civil Aviation Regulations.

Findings

  • The aircraft's weight and balance were within safe operating limits.
  • Weather conditions were clear, and the runway surface was dry and suitable for operations.
  • Maintenance records indicated the aircraft was within its inspection intervals, with no outstanding defects reported in the landing gear system.
  • The investigation could not be completed because the wreckage was dismantled without authorization, preventing a definitive determination of the mechanical cause.

Probable cause

While a landing gear failure is the suspected cause of the accident, the exact reason for the collapse could not be determined because the aircraft was dismantled, resulting in the loss of critical evidence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-11-04 Beech Aircraft Corporation; G35 Bonanza accident near Runway 04, Lydenburg Airfield, Mpumalanga, ZA?

A landing gear collapse during takeoff at Lydenburg Airfield resulted in substantial aircraft damage, but the investigation was halted due to the dismantling of the wreckage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-11-04 involved a Beech Aircraft Corporation; G35 Bonanza, registration ZS-DOB, at Runway 04, Lydenburg Airfield, Mpumalanga, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

While a landing gear failure is the suspected cause of the accident, the exact reason for the collapse could not be determined because the aircraft was dismantled, resulting in the loss of critical evidence.

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