What happened
On November 12, 2000, a Piper PA28R-180, registered ZS-LCS, was conducting a flight from FANG to FAGM, with a scheduled refueling stop at FANS. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers. During the final approach to runway 22 at FANS, the pilot accidentally retracted the landing gear. Consequently, the aircraft performed a wheel-up landing on the runway.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing at FANS. The investigation confirmed that the weather conditions at the time of the occurrence were fine. While the aircraft sustained damage to its propeller, flaps, and belly, there were no injuries reported among the four occupants. Following the incident, a local Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) successfully recovered the aircraft.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the pilot inadvertently retracted the undercarriage during the approach phase.
- The landing was executed with the wheels in the retracted position, resulting in a belly landing.