Accident Details
On 29 April 2002 at 0737Z, a Beech 58 aircraft, registration ZS-KLF, was involved in an accident during a training flight at Virginia Aerodrome (FAVG). The aircraft was conducting circuit and landing practice on Runway 05. The weather was CAVOK.
Flight Crew and Operation
The flight was a training operation with an instrument-rated commercial pilot acting as the student, accompanied by an instructor. The student held an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP) and had accumulated 2080 total flying hours, with 30.1 hours on the Beech 58. The instructor was present to satisfy recency requirements for the student to carry passengers, requiring three take-offs and landings in the preceding three months.
Circumstances
Approximately 50 minutes of general training was conducted in the General Flying Area before returning to FAVG for circuit and landing practice. During a touch and go landing on Runway 05, the student inadvertently retracted the landing gear instead of the flaps. This incorrect action caused the landing gear to collapse.
Damage and Injuries
The accident resulted in damage to both propellers and the underbelly of the aircraft. No injuries were sustained by the two occupants (the student pilot and the instructor).
Instructor's Statement
The instructor stated that he was alert to the possibility of inadvertent gear retraction and was monitoring the student's actions closely. The student initially placed his hand on the flap selector but had not yet selected flaps up. The student then quickly moved to the gear lever and selected the gear to the up position before the instructor could intervene.
Pilot Experience
The student pilot had a total flying experience of 3100 hours, including 290 hours on the Beech 58 type.