Overview
On 21 August 2002, a Cessna 210L (registration ZS-MWD) experienced an accident during takeoff from Runway 35 at Rand Airport (FAGM) in South Africa. The aircraft was operating a private flight to Simbambeli Lodge near Hoedspruit. The pilot and one passenger were on board; neither sustained injuries.
Accident Details
According to the pilot, shortly after rotation, he retracted the landing gear. This action caused the aircraft to settle back onto the runway. The airplane then skidded off the runway with the landing gear still in the retracted position.
The aircraft sustained damage to its lower fuselage skin, propeller, landing gear doors, and left-hand wing tip.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 210L, registered in the standard category to the current owner on 3 July 2002. The last maintenance inspection (MPI) was certified on 8 March 2002 at 3000.7 airframe hours; the aircraft had accumulated an additional 51.3 hours by the time of the accident.
The pilot held a German private pilot's license with a South African validation issued on 20 August 2002, valid until 22 September 2002. He had 1700 total flying hours, including approximately 500 hours on the Cessna 210 type. His age was 54.
Meteorological Information
Weather conditions were reported as CAVOK, with fine weather prevailing at the time of the accident.
Probable Cause
The pilot's decision to retract the landing gear just after rotation at a relatively low airspeed resulted in a substantial and immediate increase in drag as the main wheels turned sideways during the retraction process. The sudden increase in drag allowed the airspeed to decay to such an extent that the aircraft settled back onto the runway.