What happened
On December 1, 2000, a BEECH V35B, registration ZS-IBG, was conducting a private flight from New Tempe Aerodrome toward Volksrus. While approximately 40 nautical miles from its destination, the aircraft suffered an electrical system failure. This malfunction prevented the pilot from using the standard procedures to extend the landing gear and flaps.
To manage the emergency, the pilot utilized the manual emergency extension system to lower the gear. During the approach to Volksrus, the pilot even used a cellular phone to consult a contact who helped verify that the gear appeared to be in the extended position. The pilot subsequently performed a flap-less approach and touched down on Runway 10.
Shortly after the aircraft reached the end of the runway, approximately 90 meters past the touchdown point, the right-hand main landing gear collapsed. This was immediately followed by the failure of the left-hand and nose gear. The aircraft skidded on its belly and veered off the right side of the runway, resulting in minor damage to the propeller and the underside of the aircraft. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's electrical systems and the mechanical state of the landing gear. Following the incident, the aircraft was flown to Wonderboom after a new battery was installed and the propeller was replaced. During this subsequent flight, all electrical indications remained normal.
Testing was performed on the voltage regulator, which had been linked to electrical issues in the past; however, the component was found to be operating satisfactorily. No other underlying electrical faults were identified during the post-accident inspection.