Accident Overview
On 19 June 1999 at 1152Z, a Cessna 210M aircraft, registration ZS-MMU, was involved in an accident on Runway 17 at Rand Airport in South Africa. The aircraft was operated by ATIN Air CC and Streamline Air Charter CC. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Weather conditions were reported as fine.
Sequence of Events
The flight originated from Kroonstad Airport with Rand Airport as the intended destination. During the approach in a busy circuit pattern at Rand Airport, the pilot had a Cessna 172 ahead and several aircraft behind. On the downwind leg, the pilot extended the landing gear. However, while on the base leg and concentrating on other traffic, the pilot accidentally retracted the landing gear.
During the final approach, the pilot was concerned about overtaking the Cessna 172 in front and did not verify that the landing gear was down and locked. The aircraft touched down with the gear retracted, and the pilot realized the gear was up when the propeller contacted the runway surface.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 210M. The pilot held a commercial pilot license, was 20 years old, and had accumulated 750 total flying hours, with 450 hours on the Cessna 210 type. The pilot's license was valid at the time of the accident.
Investigation
Following the accident, the landing gear retraction and extension system was tested and no defects were found. The investigation determined that the pilot inadvertently retracted the gear on the base leg and did not confirm the gear was down and locked before landing.