What happened
On 18 August 2001, a private pilot operating a PA28-R200, registration ZS-FWG, conducted a flight originating from and returning to Hartebeespoortdam (FAWB). After completing a successful flapless approach for the first circuit, the pilot attempted a second circuit involving a standard touch-and-go maneuver. During this second approach, the pilot accidentally retracted the landing gear. The aircraft subsequently performed a wheels-up landing on Runway 29 at FAWB. While there were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries among the four occupants, the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and mechanical components to determine the state of the gear during touchdown. The investigation established that the landing gear was likely down and locked during the initial approach, but was retracted prior to contact with the runway. Evidence for this included the condition of the actuator rod's ball end, which had failed due to extreme bending forces caused by overloading. Notably, the main landing gear and the gear doors showed no signs of collapse, confirming the gear was in the retracted position at the moment of impact. Additionally, the circuit breaker for the audible landing gear warning system was found disengaged, potentially due to an electrical surge occurring when the pilot attempted to extend the gear after the landing.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the inadvertent retraction of the landing gear by the pilot during the second circuit.
- The aircraft was properly maintained and the pilot held a valid private license.
- Meteorological conditions were fine at the time of the occurrence.
- Both the primary and emergency landing gear systems were found to be fully serviceable.