History of Flight
On 22 August 2007, a Piper PA-31-350, registration ZS-MHE, operated by Nelair Aviation Services, departed Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (FAKN) on a domestic charter flight under visual flight rules. The pilot and five passengers were en route to Sabi Sands. After takeoff, the pilot selected the landing gear up, but the red "gear unsafe" light remained illuminated. Recycling the gear did not resolve the indication. The pilot then used the emergency hand pump to extend the landing gear, achieving green lights for the main landing gear. However, a check via the left side mirror showed the nose landing gear was not fully extended and was angled at approximately 45 degrees.
The pilot declared an emergency and diverted toward Nelspruit Aerodrome (FANS) to communicate with maintenance personnel. After about 30 minutes in the Nelspruit area, he returned to FAKN for a forced landing. At approximately 1340Z, he landed on Runway 05. During the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed, causing the nose section to drop onto the runway and skid until the aircraft stopped. Rescue and fire services assisted. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, primarily to the nose section and both propellers. There were no injuries.
Findings
Examination of the recovered aircraft revealed that the hydraulic pressure door open hose (line – P/N 17766-02) had developed a leak due to contact with a screw. This leak resulted in a loss of hydraulic fluid, preventing the nose landing gear from fully extending and locking. No other technical defects were identified.
The aircraft was a 1989 Piper PA-31-350 (serial number 31-7305096) with total airframe hours of 17,383.9 at the time of the accident. The last major periodic inspection was on 2 June 2007. The pilot held a commercial license and had 2,240 total flying hours, with 375.5 hours on type.
Meteorological and Aerodrome Information
Wind was from 080° at 7 knots, visibility 10 km, temperature 29°C, with no cloud cover. The airport elevation is 2,829 feet, runway 05 is asphalt, 2,600 m long. Communication with ATC was normal.
Probable Cause
The hydraulic pressure door open hose (line – P/N 17766-02) had a hydraulic leak, resulting in insufficient hydraulic pressure in the landing gear hydraulic system to fully extend the nose landing gear to a down and locked position.