What happened
On October 23, 2002, a Cessna 402 C, registered as ZS-NMV, was conducting a domestic charter flight from Madikwe Aerodrome to Grand Central Airport. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and five passengers. During the approach to Runway 35, the pilot reported that the landing gear had been extended and that the three green lights indicating successful deployment were visible.
The aircraft touched down on its main wheels approximately 400 meters beyond the runway threshold with flaps fully extended. However, as the nose wheel made contact with the runway, the landing gear warning horn activated and the warning light illuminated. Immediately following this, the nose landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to skid on its underside. The aircraft eventually came to a stop about three-quarters of the way down the runway. The impact caused damage to the nose gear and resulted in both propellers striking the ground. There were no injuries reported among the six people on board.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's landing gear systems, specifically focusing on the extension, down-lock, and indication mechanisms. Post-accident testing revealed that these systems were functioning correctly and were found to be satisfactory in all respects.
Findings
While the mechanical systems were operational, the investigation could not definitively conclude why the gear retracted. A significant possibility remains that the pilot may have inadvertently moved the landing gear switch to the 'UP' position while attempting to adjust the flaps during the landing roll.