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Wheels-Up Landing at Wonderboom After Gear Not Extended (ZS-LVH)

Runway 29, FAWB, ZA

On March 1, 2002, a Piper PA-28r-200 (registration ZS-LVH) was involved in an aviation accident near Runway 29, FAWB, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot carried out a wheels-up landing. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered ZS-LVH
Aircraft registered ZS-LVH. Photo: Bob Adams from George, South Africa / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On 1 March 2002, a Piper PA-28R-200 (ZS-LVH) performed a wheels-up landing at Wonderboom Aerodrome after the pilot failed to extend the landing gear. No injuries occurred; the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Accident Details

On 1 March 2002 at approximately 1300Z, a Piper PA-28R-200 aircraft, registration ZS-LVH, operated by a private pilot, conducted a flight from Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) to the Hartebeespoort dam with three passengers on board. The pilot, aged 25, held a valid private pilot license with no medical restrictions and a valid night rating. His total flying experience was 170 hours, including 10 hours on type.

After reaching Rosslyn, the pilot decided to return to FAWB for a touch-and-go landing before heading back to the dam. During the landing attempt on Runway 29, the pilot failed to extend the landing gear, resulting in a wheels-up landing.

Damage and Injuries

There were no injuries to the four occupants. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller and the lower fuselage. The aircraft was correctly maintained according to available information.

Weather and Other Conditions

Fine weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot carried out a wheels-up landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Mar 2002 Piper PA-28r-200 accident near Runway 29, FAWB, ZA?

On 1 March 2002, a Piper PA-28R-200 (ZS-LVH) performed a wheels-up landing at Wonderboom Aerodrome after the pilot failed to extend the landing gear. No injuries occurred; the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Mar 2002 Piper PA-28r-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Mar 2002 involved a Piper PA-28r-200, registration ZS-LVH, at Runway 29, FAWB, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot carried out a wheels-up landing.

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