What happened
On 10 January 2000, a Cessna 310 H, registration ZS-CZB, was conducting a private flight from Brakpan to Nelspruit. During the approach to Nelspruit Runway 22, the pilot attempted to extend the landing gear, but the nose gear down and locked indicator failed to illuminate. In an effort to rectify the issue, the pilot cycled the undercarriage and subsequently attempted to use the manual extension system, though neither action successfully confirmed the gear was locked.
During a low-level flypast, air traffic control personnel observed the aircraft and concluded that the landing gear appeared to be in the down and locked position. However, as the aircraft touched down, the nose undercarriage collapsed. This caused the aircraft to veer to the right and exit the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to both propeller blades and the nose gear doors.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft was conducted by an aircraft assessor to determine why the nose gear failed to secure properly. The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the undercarriage components and the history of the aircraft's recent operations.
Findings
Technical analysis revealed that the nose undercarriage failed to lock into place because the undercarriage actuator extend rod was bent. The investigation concluded that this deformation most likely occurred due to an overload experienced during a heavy landing prior to the accident.