What happened
On 13 October 2025, a private flight operating a Cessna 210M Centurion II, registration ZS-PEN, was en route from Virginia Aerodrome in KwaZulu-Natal to Mkambati Airfield in the Eastern Cape. The flight, carrying a pilot and three passengers, proceeded under visual meteorological conditions.
Upon arrival at the unmanned airfield, the pilot attempted to extend the landing gear. During this process, the landing gear motor operated for 15 seconds after the gear reached the down position, but the green indication light failed to illuminate. Shortly after, the gear circuit breaker tripped. The pilot attempted to reset the breaker and cycle the gear, but the circuit breaker tripped a second time during a subsequent attempt to extend the gear.
Following the Pilot’s Operating Handbook procedures, the pilot attempted a manual gear extension using the hand-handle, but found it too stiff to move. After consulting with a maintenance engineer on the ground who visually confirmed that all three gears appeared extended, the pilot proceeded with the landing. During the landing roll on Runway 03, the aircraft's nose wheel collapsed. This caused the propeller blades to strike the ground, leading to a skid and substantial damage to the aircraft. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft at a maintenance facility where the plane was placed on jacks. Extensive testing, including multiple retraction and extension cycles, revealed no mechanical faults in the landing gear system or the warning horn. The investigation confirmed that the landing gear, including the nose gear down-lock pins and indication switches, functioned normally during testing. Furthermore, the manual extension test was successful, and the hydraulic reservoir levels were found to be sufficient with no evidence of leaks. The aircraft was found to have been operated within its weight and balance limits.
Findings
- The pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot Licence and a Class 1 medical certificate.
- The aircraft's maintenance records showed compliance with all relevant Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins.
- The cause of the nose gear collapse remains undetermined, as all mechanical systems functioned correctly during post-incident inspections.