Synopsis
On 10 January 2000 at 1153Z, a Cessna 310H (registration ZS-CZB) operating under private operations departed Brakpan for Nelspruit. During the approach to Nelspruit Runway 22, the pilot selected the undercarriage to the down position, but the nose undercarriage down and locked light did not illuminate. The pilot recycled the undercarriage and subsequently used the manual extension system, but the light remained off. During a fly-past, the tower controller reported that the undercarriage appeared to be down and locked. Upon touchdown, the nose undercarriage collapsed, causing the aircraft to veer right and depart the runway. There were no injuries to the sole occupant. The accident resulted in damage to both propeller blades and the nose undercarriage doors.
Investigation
An aircraft assessor examined the aircraft and determined that the nose undercarriage failed to lock down properly because the nose undercarriage actuator extend rod was bent. The assessor noted that the bend was most probably due to an overload sustained during a heavy landing prior to the accident flight. The pilot held a valid private pilot licence with 795.40 total flying hours, including 5 hours on type. Weather at the time was reported as fine with good visibility.
Probable Cause
The nose undercarriage failed to lock down properly due to the undercarriage actuator extend rod being bent, most probably as a result of an overload during a heavy landing prior to the accident.