Accident Details
On 29 June 2001, a Beech 58 aircraft, registration ZS-MUY, operated a private flight from Welkom to Douglas. The pilot and one passenger were on board. The aircraft arrived at Douglas at approximately 1308Z. The pilot subsequently carried out a wheels-up landing, which he attributed to forgetting to lower the landing gear. The pilot also reported that the landing gear warning hooter was not functioning. No on-site investigation was conducted following the accident. The occupants were not injured, and the aircraft sustained damage as a result of the wheels-up landing.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Beech 58, was reportedly correctly maintained according to available documentation. The pilot held a valid private pilot license and a valid medical certificate. At the time of the accident, the pilot had accumulated 572 total flying hours, with 55 hours in the past 90 days and 17 hours on the type in the past 90 days. He had 121 hours on the Beech 58 type and was 35 years old. The flight departed from Welkom with the next intended landing at Douglas. Meteorological conditions at the time were fine, with wind 360/15, temperature +16°C, good visibility, and 2/8 cloud cover at 7500 feet AGL.
Probable Cause
The pilot admitted that he forgot to lower the landing gear and that the warning hooter was inoperative.