What happened
On 11 June 2025, a Beech Aircraft BE58TC, registration ZS-KLP, was conducting a private flight from Wonderboom Aerodrome in Gauteng to AL 3 Farm Airfield near Dendron, Limpopo. The flight was operating under visual meteorological conditions in accordance with Part 91 regulations.
After a routine pre-flight inspection and takeoff, the pilot proceeded toward the destination, communicating with Makhado Air Force Base Air Traffic Control along the route. As the pilot approached the unmanned AL 3 Farm Airfield, he observed a herd of impalas near the runway. While maneuvering on the base leg, the pilot's attention was drawn to the movement of the animals. Consequently, the pilot failed to follow the required landing gear extension procedures. The aircraft subsequently performed a wheels-up landing on Runway 04, skidding approximately 200 metres before coming to a stop. The pilot escaped without injury, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its propellers, flaps, and the underside of the fuselage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the operational state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and was experienced on the type, with over 300 hours of flight time in the BE58TC. The aircraft's maintenance records showed that the mandatory 100-hour inspection had been completed recently, and the aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness.
Meteorological data indicated that weather conditions were clear and were not a contributing factor to the incident. The investigation focused on the pilot's actions during the final approach and the failure to execute the prescribed checklist.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the pilot's failure to complete the before landing checklist, which resulted in the landing gear not being extended.
- The pilot's attention was diverted by the presence of wildlife (impala) near the runway environment during the approach.