What happened
On Tuesday, 2 April 2024, a Beechcraft 58 Baron registered VH-YDC and operated by Air Gold Coast Pty Ltd experienced a landing gear failure while conducting a local flight at Gold Coast Airport, Queensland. The twin-engine aircraft, manufactured in 1976, was piloted by two experienced pilots with no students on board.
At approximately 21:19 local time, the aircraft was on approach to Gold Coast Airport when the landing gear failed to extend. The pilots declared an emergency and executed a controlled gear-up landing on the runway. Emergency services were positioned and on high alert throughout the approach and landing, prepared for potential fire risks associated with the aircraft's fuel systems.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) was notified of the occurrence and commenced an investigation to determine the cause of the landing gear failure.