What happened
On July 14, 1999, a Beech E5CC with registration ZS-MJV was conducting a private flight from Buffelshoek, near Mala Mala, toward Grand Central Aerodrome. While in transit, the aircraft suffered a complete loss of electrical power. This failure prevented the pilot from using standard procedures to deploy the landing gear.
In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot attempted to utilize the emergency landing gear extension system. However, the mechanism could not be activated because the release handle was obstructed by upholstery covering, making it inaccessible to the occupants. After performing several overhead circuits at Grand Central, the pilot opted for a landing on the grass area situated between the runway and the taxiway. During the landing, the aircraft bounced multiple times and the left wing struck a notice board. The aircraft eventually stopped near the boundary fence, approximately 200 meters from the threshold of Runway 17. All six people on board escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the electrical failure and the accessibility of the emergency systems. Investigators examined the aircraft's configuration and the physical obstruction preventing the deployment of the landing gear. Notably, the investigation could not establish the specific origin of the electrical malfunction due to interference from involved parties.
Findings
- The primary factor preventing a standard landing was the inaccessibility of the emergency landing gear handle, which was positioned behind upholstery panelling.
- The pilot and passengers were unable to reach or release the handle to extend the gear manually.
- The aircraft's landing gear remained retracted during the touchdown on the grass surface.