What happened
On 11 August 2001, a Beech 35-B33, registration ZS-CWO, was conducting a private flight from Prince Albert to Stellenbosch. While joining the traffic circuit for runway 19, the pilot was managing multiple aircraft on the frequency. During the approach, the pilot became preoccupied with visually acquiring other aircraft in the vicinity.
While the pilot performed downwind checks and lowered the undercarriage, the landing gear was not re-verified during the final approach. Although an audible siren sounded during short final, the pilot misidentified the sound as a stall warning. Consequently, the aircraft performed a landing with the landing gear in the retracted position.
The investigation
An investigation into the incident established that a safety officer from the local flying club witnessed the aircraft on long final approach with the gear up. The officer attempted to alert the pilot via radio, but the aircraft landed before communication could be established.
Following the incident, the aircraft was recovered and lifted. During the inspection, the master switch was turned on and the landing gear was cycled, which functioned normally, confirming that the mechanical system was not at fault.