Accident Details
On 11 August 2001, at 1600Z, a Beech 35-B33 (registration ZS-CWO) operated by CWO Partnership CC as a private flight experienced a wheels-up landing at Stellenbosch Aerodrome. The aircraft departed from FAPC (Prince Albert) and was destined for FASH (Stellenbosch). The pilot, aged 49, held a private pilot license with 436.25 total flying hours, including 114.45 hours on type. The flight carried one pilot and two passengers. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's statement, he joined the Stellenbosch circuit and was distracted by two aircraft on frequency. While attempting to visually acquire them and join the circuit for runway 19, he came in on a long final approach with another aircraft ahead on short finals. The pilot recalled performing downwind checks and lowering the undercarriage but did not recheck on finals. On short final approach, a siren sounded, which he assumed was the stall warning. The aircraft then landed with the landing gear retracted.
Witness Account
The safety officer of the flying club witnessed the accident and observed the aircraft on long final approach with the landing gear retracted. In an attempt to warn the pilot, he ran to a nearby radio but was unable to make contact before the wheels-up landing.
Aircraft Recovery
During recovery, the aircraft was lifted, the master switch was turned on, and the landing gear was selected down. The gear cycled normally, indicating no mechanical issue.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was the pilot's failure to conduct his final approach vital actions – ensuring the landing gear was down and locked prior to landing, leading to a wheels-up landing.