What happened
On 20 January 2017, a Beechcraft F33A, registration ZS-JBE, was conducting a training flight at Hoedspruit Airport (FAHS) when it experienced a landing gear accident on runway 18. The flight, operated for Part 141 training purposes, was led by a designated flight examiner accompanied by two student pilots. The mission involved assessing the students for their respective PPL and CPL revalidations.
During the return leg from the General Flying Area, the flight examiner initiated a simulated emergency landing procedure by reducing engine power to idle. As the engine RPM dropped below 1500, the gear warning horn activated, signaling that the landing gear had not been extended. The student pilot proceeded with emergency protocols, maintaining best gliding speed. Upon approaching the runway, the student selected the gear down and extended the flaps.
While the gear warning horn ceased, the student assumed the gear was fully locked. During the landing flare, air traffic control alerted the crew to check the gear status. The student then observed that the red gear unsafe light was illuminated. Although a go-around was considered, the student determined it was unsafe due to the aircraft's proximity to the ground and proceeded with the landing. Upon touchdown, the landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to skid along the runway centerline.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID established that the aircraft and crew were fully compliant with regulatory requirements. The student pilot held a valid medical certificate and license, while the flight examiner held a valid ATPL and instructor rating. The Beechcraft F33A was airworthy, with all maintenance records, including the most recent Mandatory Periodic Inspection, found to be in order.
Investigators examined the aircraft's electrical system and found that the landing gear motor circuit breaker had popped out. This occurred because the undercarriage was still in the transition phase when the landing gear mechanism was under overload conditions.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the student pilot selected the landing gear too late, resulting in the aircraft touching down while the gear was still in transit.
- A contributing factor was the failure to select the landing gear in a timely manner during the simulated emergency procedure.
- The landing gear motor circuit breaker tripped due to an overload condition caused by the gear being in transition during touchdown.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the propeller blades, landing gear doors, undercarriage, and the belly of the airframe, though there were no injuries to the three occupants.