Pilot error leads to gear-up landing in Beechcraft Bonanza

Casualties unknown • Limpopo Province; Thabazimbi aerodrome on Runway 25, ZA

A private flight to Thabazimbi Aerodrome ended in a gear-up landing after the pilot failed to extend the undercarriage, despite visual confirmations.

What happened

On 26 July 2008, a Beechcraft Bonanza, registration ZS-PFN, was conducting a private flight from Wonderboom Aerodrome to Thabazimbi Aerodrome. The flight began under special VFR conditions with poor visibility, necessitating an initial climb to 5,000 feet before the pilot increased altitude to 7,000 feet to clear local terrain as conditions improved.

During the approach to Runway 25 at Thabazimbi, the pilot configured the aircraft with 50% flaps and lowered the undercarriage. The pilot noted a green indicator light, and the passenger reportedly provided a thumbs-up to confirm the gear and flaps were set. However, upon touchdown, a loud scratching sound and a cockpit voice warning commanded the pilot to "check undercarriage." The aircraft then skidded approximately 130 metres along the gravel runway before stopping. The impact caused damage to the propeller blades, flaps, belly, and the aircraft step, though there were no fatalities and only one minor injury.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the landing. The investigation included an on-site inspection and subsequent retraction tests performed at an approved maintenance organization (AMO) facility. The aircraft was placed on jacks to test the landing gear indicating system, including both the green light and the manual indicator.

Further technical scrutiny was conducted during a scheduled 2000-hour maintenance inspection, where the landing gear was fully dismantled and the components were inspected. These tests confirmed that the undercarriage system, including the circuit breaker and the gear bay flaps, was functioning normally and showed no mechanical or electrical anomalies.

Findings

  • The aircraft was fully airworthy and maintained according to all regulatory requirements.
  • The pilot and passenger were properly licensed and medically fit for the flight.
  • Meteorological conditions, while involving poor visibility during the initial departure, were not a contributing factor to the landing error.
  • The pilot failed to properly select or confirm the undercarriage in the down position, leading to the wheels-up configuration.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to ensure the undercarriage was fully extended and locked prior to touchdown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-07-26 Beechcraft Bonanza accident near Limpopo Province; Thabazimbi aerodrome on Runway 25, ZA?

A private flight to Thabazimbi Aerodrome ended in a gear-up landing after the pilot failed to extend the undercarriage, despite visual confirmations.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-07-26 involved a Beechcraft Bonanza, registration ZS-PFN, at Limpopo Province; Thabazimbi aerodrome on Runway 25, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to ensure the undercarriage was fully extended and locked prior to touchdown.

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