What happened
On 3 May 2021, a Cessna 402C, registration ZS-NVE, was performing a repositioning flight from Ithala Lodge Airstrip to Wonderboom Airport (FAWB) under Instrument Flight Rules. The flight proceeded without incident until the arrival phase. After being cleared for a visual approach to Runway 29, the pilot performed standard downwind checks, confirming that the landing gear was extended and the three green indicator lights were illuminated. The pilot maintained this configuration through the base and final approach legs.
Upon touchdown on Runway 2 and approximately 200 to 300 metres past the threshold, the nose landing gear collapsed. The aircraft subsequently came to a halt in the middle of the runway. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft, specifically affecting the nose cone, nose gear doors, pitot tube, and the tips of both propeller blades. The pilot escaped the incident without any injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's landing gear system following the accident. An inspection by the maintenance organization revealed that the nose gear moved into the down and locked position once the aircraft's nose was lifted during recovery. Subsequent testing of the gear system, involving eight successful retraction cycles, showed the system was operating normally. There were no active Airworthiness Directives or Service Bulletins related to the landing gear for this model.
Discrepancies arose regarding the timing of post-accident tests, with the pilot contesting the maintenance report's timeline. Additionally, the investigation looked into the possibility of accidental gear retraction by the pilot. However, the aircraft's design includes a safety switch on the left main gear shock strut that prevents electrical power from reaching the gear motor when the aircraft's weight is on the wheels. The pilot also noted that the physical separation and different ergonomic placement of the gear and flap levers make a mistake between the two unlikely.
Findings
- The nose landing gear collapsed during the landing roll on Runway 29.
- The specific cause of the nose gear collapse could not be determined as the system functioned correctly during post-incident testing.
- The aircraft's safety mechanism effectively prevents accidental gear retraction while the aircraft is on the ground due to the compression of the shock strut.