What happened
On 20 October 2019, a Cessna 402B, registration ZS-OFP, was operating a commercial charter flight from Rand Aerodrome to Ant’s Nest in Limpopo Province. The flight, carrying a pilot and five passengers, was conducted under instrument flight rules during daylight hours. Prior to landing, the pilot performed two fly-past inspections of the grassy runway at the destination, which initially appeared suitable.
However, during the landing roll on Runway 04, the aircraft encountered an uneven surface. The right-hand main landing gear struck a ditch, causing the gear to collapse. This impact forced the right engine propeller and the wing to make contact with the ground, and the aircraft veered off the runway. All six occupants were able to disembark the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight planning. The investigation established that the aircraft had landed at a private farm airfield located approximately 8 nautical miles southeast of the intended destination. This specific airstrip had not been utilized or maintained for over two years.
Technical analysis of the wreckage revealed that the collapse was caused by the end fitting of the main gear retracting linkage shearing off. Maintenance records showed that the landing gear system had been inspected during a recent mandatory periodic inspection, and no previous faults had been reported regarding the actuator or linkage.
Findings
- The aircraft landed on an unused, uneven, and soft grassy airstrip.
- The right-hand main landing gear collapsed because the end fitting of the main gear retracting linkage sheared off after the gear entered a ditch.
- The flight planning was inadequate, as the pilot landed at an incorrect location due to reliance on directory coordinates rather than specific destination instructions.
- The weather conditions were clear with good visibility and did not contribute to the event.