What happened
On the evening of 10 September 2007, a Schleicher ASK-16, registration EI-AYR, was conducting a private flight at Kilrush Airfield, Co. Kildare. The pilot was performing right-hand circuits while following local noise abatement procedures. During the landing phase, the aircraft struck the grass runway with its landing gear retracted. The impact resulted in damage to the propeller and minor damage to the undercarriage doors. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger on board, and no fire occurred during the incident.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the state of the aircraft's undercarriage. Weather conditions at the time were reported as fine, with a wind speed of approximately 10 to 12 knots blowing directly down the grass runway. The pilot initially recalled touching the undercarriage lever and believed the gear had been lowered. However, upon inspecting the aircraft after the event, it was found that the landing gear could extend normally. The pilot subsequently acknowledged that the landing gear was likely not lowered prior to touchdown.