Cessna 337 Accident in Alberton, South Africa (ZS-EET)

Flight Details and Accident Sequence On 14 August 2012, a Cessna 337 (registration ZS-EET) operated by Blow-in Graphics CC departed Rand aerodrome (FAGM) for a training flight involving upper aerial work. The aircraft was crewed by a flight instructor, a pilot under instruction, and two passengers. After takeoff from Runway 29, the pilot flying selected the landing gear up. The crew heard an unfamiliar sound, observed white smoke, and felt vibration, leading them to cycle the gear down. Shortly after, the front-mounted engine failed, and the hydraulic pump, driven by that engine, ceased to function, preventing gear retraction. The aircraft could not maintain altitude on the aft engine alone. The pilot flying declared a Mayday and requested to return to FAGM, but the rate of descent was too high for a runway landing. The flight instructor took control and executed a forced landing in an open field 2.6 nautical miles south of the aerodrome. Approximately 230 meters after touchdown, the nose gear struck a concealed anthill, causing the landing gear to collapse. The cargo pod was ripped off, and the aircraft skidded to a halt on its belly. The aft engine was still running when the aircraft stopped and was shut down by the crew. All four occupants were uninjured, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage.