What happened
On 19 January 2019, a Cessna Textron, C210N, registered ZS-LCU, was performing a private pleasure flight departing from Potchefstroom Aerodrome (FAPS). As the pilot began the takeoff roll on Runway 21, the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 50 knots when the nose gear suddenly collapsed. This caused the aircraft's nose to pitch downward, leading the propeller and nose cowling to strike the runway surface. The aircraft came to a halt on the runway, and all four occupants—the pilot and three passengers—were able to disembark the aircraft without assistance. There were no injuries reported, though the aircraft suffered substantial damage to the propeller, cowling, and nose gear doors.
The investigation
The SACAA AIID investigation focused on the mechanical state of the landing gear and the pilot's regulatory compliance. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that a major periodic inspection (MPI) had been completed only 3.1 hours prior to the accident. Testing of the landing gear retraction system, both during the recent MPI and during post-accident inspections, revealed no mechanical or electrical failures. The down-lock mechanism was found to be intact and functioning correctly, and there was no evidence of an overspeed condition.
Additionally, the investigation reviewed the pilot's documentation. It was established that the pilot was operating with an expired Class 2 aviation medical certificate, which had lapsed 19 days before the incident. The pilot did not apply for an extension of the medical certificate prior to the flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the nose gear collapse was likely that the landing gear lever was inadvertently placed in the up position during the takeoff roll.
- A contributing factor to the incident was a poor or incorrect pre-flight inspection by the pilot.
- The pilot was flying without a valid medical certificate, as his Class 2 medical had expired on 31 December 2018.
- The aircraft's maintenance and landing gear systems were found to be in good working order, with no mechanical defects identified in the gear assembly.