Overview
On 28 October 1999 at 0630Z, a Piper PA36-300 agricultural aircraft, registered ZS-LCG, was involved in an undercarriage collapse during taxi at Middelburg Airfield. The aircraft was operated under a valid operator license (G362D) by a pilot holding a commercial pilot license (CA02215). The pilot had 8442 total flying hours, but his total hours on the aircraft type were unknown. The flight had departed from and was scheduled to return to Middelburg Airfield. There was one person on board; no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Sequence of Events
After landing, the pilot taxied the aircraft toward the hangar with the engine idling. As he turned the aircraft to position it in the parking bay near the hangar, the right-hand main undercarriage suddenly collapsed. The propeller then made contact with the ground. The incident occurred near the hangar parking area at Middelburg Airfield.
Probable Cause
The South African Civil Aviation Authority determined that the right-hand main undercarriage lower support clamp, located just below the undercarriage leg spring, fractured at both ends. The fracture was caused by cracks that initiated at one end of the support clamp, which led to the collapse of the undercarriage.