Accident Details
On September 29, 2001, at 1125Z, a Piper PA-30 aircraft, registration ZS-JCJ, experienced an accident during landing at Cape Town International Airport (FACT). The aircraft touched down on Runway 19 with its undercarriage retracted. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft sustained damage.
The pilot admitted to neglecting to lower the undercarriage before landing. The accident occurred during a private flight that had departed from the same airport.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Piper PA-30 is a twin-engine aircraft. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had accumulated 27 hours of operation since its last mandatory periodic inspection (MPI). The next MPI was due on June 14, 2002, or at 7,920 flying hours, whichever came first. The aircraft was maintained as prescribed.
The pilot held a valid private pilot license and had a total flying experience of 200 hours, with 37 hours on the Piper PA-30 type. The pilot was 41 years old at the time of the accident.
Weather and Location
The weather at the time of the accident was fine with a light southerly wind. The accident site was on Runway 19 at FACT, providing clear visual conditions for landing.
Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot had neglected to lower the undercarriage before landing, resulting in a gear-up landing.