What happened
On the afternoon of February 7, 1999, a Cessna 210 L, registered as ZS-MLC, was conducting a private flight from Margate toward a private airstrip located near Kokstad. The aircraft was carrying two people on board, including the pilot and one passenger. During the approach to the destination, the pilot initiated a long and slow descent toward the farm strip at Glendower Farm. During this phase of flight, the pilot became preoccupied with the passenger on board, which led to a critical oversight in the landing sequence.
The investigation
The investigation into the incident focused on the sequence of events leading up to the touchdown at the Kokstad-area airstrip. Investigators established that while the meteorological conditions were favorable—characterized by good visibility and a cloud base of 1,000 feet—the pilot's attention was diverted. The inquiry examined the cockpit environment and the pilot's actions during the final approach to the landing site.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was that the pilot neglected to lower the undercarriage prior to touchdown.
- The pilot's attention was diverted by interaction with the passenger during the approach.
- The landing was performed with the gear retracted, resulting in a wheels-up landing at the site.