What happened
On 25 June 2007, a Cessna P210 N, registration ZS-ORO, was conducting a private flight from Lanseria International Aerodrome in South Africa to Maun International Aerodrome in Botswana. As the pilot approached the runway at Maun, the aircraft was subjected to changing wind conditions, transitioning from a 360° wind at 6 knots to a 060° wind at 6 knots during the landing sequence.
During the final stages of the approach, the pilot reported a sudden, strong upward lift. In an attempt to maintain sufficient airspeed, the pilot increased engine power; however, the aircraft subsequently bounced twice upon touching the runway. Despite the instability, the pilot maintained control of the aircraft and successfully taxied to the parking area. Following the shutdown of the engines, a post-flight inspection revealed that the propeller and the nose landing gear had sustained damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that there were zero fatalities and zero injuries among the three occupants on board. The inspection of the aircraft's maintenance records showed that the last mandatory periodic inspection (MPI) had been completed on 20 October 2006, with 43.1 flying hours accumulated since that service.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a significant lift event during the landing phase.
- The landing was characterized by two bounces on the runway.
- The primary contributing factor was likely wind gusting conditions during a crosswind landing, which led to a hard touchdown.
- Damage was localized to the propeller and the undercarriage/nose gear.