What happened
On September 9, 1999, at approximately 16:15, a Cessna 303, registration ZS-LMV, was performing a private flight from Maputo to Nelspruit. The aircraft was on final approach to Nelspruit when it encountered a mechanical failure during the landing roll on runway 22. The weather conditions at the time were reported as fine with no wind.
The investigation
Investigators examined the landing gear assembly to determine why the aircraft's configuration changed during touchdown. The inquiry focused on the structural integrity of the right-hand main undercarriage. The investigation established that the pilot-shaft located inside the oleo strut failed during the landing sequence. This failure allowed the internal pressure of the oleo to force the wheel assembly out of its housing, causing the wheel to swing forward into an abnormal position.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure of the main undercarriage pilot shaft.
- The resulting release of oleo pressure caused the wheel assembly to be displaced from its housing.
- There were no fatalities and no injuries sustained by the two occupants on board.