What happened
On 25 August 2002, a Cessna T303, registration ZS-NOX, was operating a domestic charter flight. After departing from Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) to Mkuze Falls to pick up four passengers, the aircraft attempted a return landing at FAWB. During the approach, the right-hand landing gear failed to extend. The pilot performed a wheels-up landing under favorable meteorological conditions, which included visibility exceeding 10km and light winds. While there were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries among the five occupants, the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the pilot's credentials. The pilot held a valid license, was properly rated for the aircraft type, and possessed a current medical certificate. Maintenance records indicated that the aircraft had been maintained in accordance with required inspection intervals. The operator was found to be in possession of a valid Air Services Licence and an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) that was active at the time of the event.
Findings
Technical inspection of the landing gear assembly identified that the metering tube assembly within the right-hand oleo strut had failed. This mechanical failure caused the oleo leg to extend prematurely while still within the wheel-well area. This movement caused the wheel to become lodged in the wheel well, physically preventing the right-hand gear from deploying for landing.
Safety action
Records indicated that a previously issued safety recommendation regarding similar issues had not been implemented. The investigation noted that the adoption of this recommendation could have prevented this specific incident.