Accident
On 21 December 1997 at 0945 Z, a Piper PA-24-260 Comanche, registration ZS-ZAI, experienced a landing gear collapse during landing on runway 13 at Baragwanath Airport (FASY). The aircraft had departed from Ingwala and was scheduled to land at FASY. According to the pilot, he performed the necessary landing checks and a green landing gear indicator light was observed prior to landing. However, when the nose gear contacted the runway, the undercarriage collapsed. The pilot stated that the landing gear up warning buzzer did not sound.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Piper PA-24-260 Comanche, was privately operated. The pilot held a private pilot license with a total of 341 flying hours. No information was available on the pilot's hours on type, though the license was valid. The aircraft carried one pilot and one passenger. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Meteorological Information
Weather conditions at the time of the accident were reported as CAVOK (Ceiling And Visibility OK).
Probable Cause
The South African Civil Aviation Authority determined the probable cause: 'From the available information it would seem that the undercarriage was not lowered prior to landing.'