Introduction
On 2 May 2003, at 1219Z, a Beech B24R aircraft, registration ZS-MOM, experienced a wheels-up landing at Bloemfontein Aerodrome (FABL). The aircraft was engaged in a private flight.
Sequence of Events
The pilot, accompanied by three passengers, departed from East London on a private flight to Potchefstroom, with a planned stop at Bloemfontein for refueling. After take-off from Runway 20 at Bloemfontein, once a positive rate of climb was established, the pilot retracted the landing gear and flaps. This action caused a loss of lift, and the aircraft sank back onto the runway. The pilot then selected the landing gear down again, but due to insufficient time for the gear to extend and lock, a wheels-up landing followed.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a valid private pilot licence and was 44 years old. His logbook endorsed the aircraft type, and he had a total of 582.2 flying hours, with 9 hours on type. His unrestricted medical certificate was valid until 30 November 2003.
Aircraft Information
The Beech B24R was correctly maintained according to available documentation. The last mandatory periodic inspection (MPI) was certified on 8 January 2003 at a total of 1985 airframe hours. Since that inspection, the aircraft had accumulated 10 airframe hours.
Weather Conditions
Fine weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, with no cloud cover and a temperature of +22°C.
Probable Cause
The pilot retracted the landing gear and flaps too soon after take-off. This caused the aircraft to lose considerable lift and sink back onto the runway. When the pilot selected the gear down again, there was insufficient time for the gear to extend, resulting in a wheels-up landing.