Wheels-Up Landing at Brits Private Aerodrome Involving Beech 95-B55 (ZS-IMM)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 24 May 2002, a Beech 95-B55 (M96/095E) with registration ZS-IMM was involved in an accident during a private flight. The aircraft was operating from Wonderboom Aerodrome to a private aerodrome in the Brits area. The pilot-in-command, who was the sole occupant, held a valid ALTP licence and had 11,800 total flying hours, including 482 hours on type. ## Operational Context and Meteorological Conditions The accident occurred at 1445Z under fine weather conditions, with no wind, a temperature of +20°C, and good visibility. The flight was classified as a private operation. ## Sequence of Events During the final approach to the private airstrip near Brits, the pilot observed what appeared to be a vehicle in close proximity to the runway. To avoid a potential collision, the pilot initiated a go-around by retracting the undercarriage and flaps. The vehicle subsequently backtracked and disappeared from sight. The pilot then decided to execute the landing. Although flaps were selected, the pilot failed to lower the undercarriage, resulting in a wheels-up landing. ## Outcome and Probable Cause No injuries or fatalities were reported. The investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear, attributed to distraction by the vehicle during the final approach.