Introduction
On 2 February 2008, a Cessna T210L, registration A2-MZW, was involved in an accident at Klipvlei (Njiri Game Lodge) in the Thabazimbi area, Limpopo province, South Africa. The aircraft was operated on a private flight by a pilot with 129.2 total flying hours, including 78.2 hours on type.
History of Flight
According to the pilot, the flight departed from and was intended to land at the same location, lasting approximately 30 minutes. During the landing approach, the pilot noted that the three landing gear indicator lights were not illuminated, indicating the landing gear was not fully down and locked. He then manually extended the landing gear and performed a runway inspection due to the presence of animals on the runway. After the animals cleared, he continued the landing. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced, and the nose landing gear separated from the aircraft.
Aircraft Damage
The nose landing gear detached and was found 50 meters behind the aircraft on the runway centerline. The aircraft came to rest on the centerline 650 meters beyond the threshold of runway 07. The propeller contacted the ground, and the lower nose section sustained substantial damage. There was no fire.
Personnel Information
The pilot, a 49-year-old male, held a valid type endorsement for the Cessna T210L but did not have a valid medical certificate at the time of the accident. His pilot license was not valid. The aircraft's Radio Station License had expired on 31 July 2007, and a copy of the Certificate of Airworthiness was not carried on board. There was also no correction chart for the magnetic compass.
Probable Cause
The pilot followed an incorrect technique for recovery with a bounced landing. The aircraft then landed on the nose wheel and the nose wheel collapsed.