What happened
On November 28, 2001, a BEECH A36, registration ZS-LRF, was conducting a private flight from East London (FAEL) toward a farm airstrip near East London. The pilot, who was in the process of completing Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) practical training, was attempting to reach his destination for an appointment.
During the approach to Runway 12, the pilot was performing standard downwind vital actions when Air Traffic Control (ATC) notified him of other traffic in the vicinity. While executing final approach checks—specifically the Power, Undercarriage, Fuel, and Flaps (PUFF) procedure—the pilot noted that the aircraft was approaching the runway at an excessive speed and altitude. Although the pilot reported hearing the undercarriage warning horn, he did not respond to the alert. The aircraft subsequently touched down on a grass surface with the landing gear in the retracted position, coming to a halt within 60 meters of the touchdown point.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's actions during the final approach and the failure to respond to cockpit warnings. The inquiry established that the pilot was actively performing checklist procedures when interrupted by traffic advisories. The investigation also noted the pilot's recent intensive IFR training, which may have influenced his perception of the cockpit warning horn.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, flaps, undercarriage doors, and the lower fuselage skin.
- The pilot failed to extend the landing gear prior to touchdown.
- The pilot's recent frequent exposure to the undercarriage warning horn during IFR training contributed to a lack of appropriate response to the audible alert.
- The pilot was operating the aircraft under a private license and was performing a private flight following a training session.