Accident Details
On 25 June 2001, at approximately 0930Z, a Cessna C210 aircraft (registration ZS-MSR) landed on Runway 03 (gravel) at De Aar (FADA). The pilot had flown from a private farm strip near Fisantekraal (FAFK) earlier that day, arriving at De Aar after a flight originating on 24 June 2001. The landing was performed with full flap. After a landing roll of approximately 600 meters, the pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear instead of the flaps. The nose landing gear collapsed as a result.
The squat switch did not prevent the gear from retracting. However, since no on-site investigation was carried out, the reason for this could not be determined.
Weather conditions at the time were fine, with wind from 360 degrees at 15 knots, temperature 15°C, and no cloud cover. There were two persons on board (1+1); no injuries or fatalities occurred.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot was the holder of a valid private pilot license and a valid, unrestricted medical certificate that expired on 30 April 2002. The aircraft had been correctly maintained according to available documentation, and had flown 13 hours since the final maintenance periodic inspection (MPI) was certified on 26 April 2001.
Probable Cause
The South African Civil Aviation Authority determined that the probable cause of the accident was that the pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear.