What happened
On 2 December 2003, a Cessna 210, registration ZS-NOR, was conducting a private flight in the Pongola region. While attempting to land at Pongola Aerodrome, the pilot failed to lower the aircraft's landing gear. This oversight caused the propeller to strike the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the component. There were two people on board during the incident, and both the pilot and the passenger escaped without injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the pilot's actions during the landing sequence. The pilot reported that the landing gear warning system was non-functional prior to the accident. However, following the accident, an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) performed repairs on the aircraft. During the post-repair inspections, the maintenance team found the landing gear warning system to be fully operational and satisfactory in all respects. There was no on-site investigation conducted at the accident site.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before touchdown.
- A contributing factor was the reported inoperability of the landing gear warning system prior to the event.
- The aircraft had completed 70.8 flight hours since its last periodic inspection, which was certified in June 2003.