What happened
On the afternoon of 12 March 2025, a Piper Seneca II (ZS-SNR) was conducting a type conversion training flight at Lanseria International Airport. The flight, operated under Part 141 regulations, involved a flight instructor and a pilot holding a Private Pilot Licence. After completing several touch-and-go landings on Runway 25, the crew attempted a full-stop landing.
During the final approach, the aircraft was configured for landing with the first stage flaps selected. While the main landing gear initially made contact with the runway, the nose landing gear collapsed during the subsequent landing roll. This caused the propellers to strike the runway surface and the aircraft to skid on its nose cone, coming to a halt approximately 100 metres from the initial touchdown point. There were no injuries to the two occupants, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft at a maintenance facility, placing it on jacks to perform gear retraction tests. While the access panels underneath the nose section appeared undamaged, investigators removed them to inspect the hydraulic lines.
Upon inspection, a leak was discovered in the pressurized hydraulic retraction pipe for the nose gear. The investigation confirmed that the leak was not a result of the impact from the accident itself. The investigators also verified that the main landing gear hydraulic lines were intact and that the squat switch, which prevents accidental gear retraction on the ground, was fully functional. Meteorological data confirmed that weather conditions were clear and did not contribute to the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a leak in the pressurized hydraulic retraction pipe for the nose gear.
- This leak resulted in a loss of hydraulic pressure, which was insufficient to keep the nose gear in the extended and locked position.
- The aircraft was undergoing routine training, and all personnel involved were properly licensed and medically fit.