What happened
On 2 June 2006, a Piper 34-200T, registration ZS-NKL, departed from Kitty Hawk Aerodrome on a private flight destined for Tzane/en Aerodrome. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot attempted to retract the landing gear, but the left-hand main gear failed to lock into the up position. Subsequent attempts to cycle the gear failed to lock it down, and the deployment of the emergency extension system also proved unsuccessful.
With the left-hand undercarriage light remaining unlit, the pilot diverted to Wonderboom Aerodrome to utilize available emergency services. During the approach, the Air Traffic Controller and a following aircraft confirmed that the left main gear was not fully extended. To manage the situation, the pilot elected to burn off fuel while keeping the gear in the retracted position. The aircraft performed a wheels-up landing on Runway 29. The landing resulted in the aircraft skidding 380 meters on its fuselage, with both propellers feathered and the runway covered in foam. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries to the pilot and passenger, though the aircraft sustained minor damage to the propellers and undercarriage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear deployment and extension systems. Investigators reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the most recent Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) had been completed at 4307.9 airframe hours. At the time of the incident, the aircraft had flown an additional 35.8 hours since that inspection.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure of the left-hand main landing gear brace bearing.
- This mechanical failure prevented the landing gear from being either retracted or extended, making a belly landing unavoidable.