What happened
On 4 November 2002, a Cessna 210M, registration ZS-LWA, was conducting a training flight at Nelspruit (FANS). While performing the downwind leg of the second circuit, the pilot observed that the gear down lock indication was missing. In response, the pilot activated the emergency gear extension system and performed a low fly-past to request that air traffic control visually verify the undercarriage position. The controller reported that the gear appeared to be extended.
Despite the visual confirmation, the nose gear collapsed upon touchdown on Runway 22. The impact caused the propeller to strike the ground, resulting in minor damage to the aircraft. There were no injuries to the two occupants on board.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft following the incident. During the post-accident inspection, the pilot identified a piece of cloth that had become trapped within the nose wheel locking mechanism. Records indicated that the aircraft's last Maintenance Program Inspection (MPI) had been completed on 05 October 2002, with only 9.0 flight hours accumulated since that inspection. The training organization involved held a valid accreditation at the time of the occurrence.
Findings
- The primary cause of the gear collapse was a piece of cloth lodged in the nose wheel locking mechanism, which prevented the gear from properly extending and locking.
- The pilot's pre-flight inspection was insufficient, as it failed to detect the foreign object obstructing the mechanism.