Flight History
On 29 October 2006 at approximately 16:45 UTC, a single-engine YAK-52 aircraft, registration RA-44462, departed from Lagos Municipal Aerodrome at 15:20 UTC for a recreational flight returning to Lagos. The aircraft was occupied solely by the 67-year-old pilot, who held approximately 600 hours of flight experience. The day was sunny with calm wind. The flight proceeded normally until the landing phase.
During the approach to Lagos runway, the pilot did not select the landing gear lever to the "down" position. The aircraft approached with the gear retracted. During the flare, the propeller blades struck the runway asphalt, leaving marks over a distance of 70 meters.
The pilot discontinued the landing by applying engine power in an attempt to gain altitude and execute a landing with gear extended. However, the propeller strike had dislodged small wooden fragments from the blades, reducing thrust. The aircraft did not gain sufficient speed or altitude to clear ground obstacles.
The pilot was forced to make an emergency landing on National Road N125, approximately half a mile from the runway. During the landing, the aircraft destroyed some greenhouse plants and came to rest in the middle of the road. The pilot was evacuated to Portimão Hospital with a head injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Injuries
| Injuries | Crew | Passengers | Others | |----------|------|------------|--------| | Fatal | - | - | - | | Serious | 1 | - | - | | Minor/None | - | - | - |
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft suffered multiple damages: propeller blades damaged, engine cowling and fuselage dented, left wing wrinkled, and right wing broken in two.
Other Damage
Some damage to plants and greenhouse fencing.
Pilot Information
- Sex: Male
- Age: 67
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Total flight hours: 607:00
- Hours on type: 607:00
- License: PCA, issued by USA
- Medical certificate valid until 19/11/2006, with limitation VDL2 (must wear corrective lenses and have a spare pair).
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Russian-manufactured YAK-52, a single-engine, low-wing, metal-construction monoplane with retractable conventional landing gear. It was equipped with a Vedeneyer M-14P 9-cylinder radial engine producing 200 HP at sea level, and a three-blade metal constant-speed propeller. The aircraft was privately owned by the pilot.
Meteorological Information
Clear sky and light wind.
Communications
Bilateral VHF communications.
Accident Site
The first impacts were the propeller blades on the asphalt of Lagos Municipal Aerodrome runway. The accident occurred on National Road N125, about half a mile from the runway, near dwellings.
Flight Recorders
The aircraft was not equipped with flight recorders, nor was this required by regulations.
Wreckage Examination
The propeller blade impact with the runway resulted in the detachment of small wooden pieces and consequent reduction of propeller thrust.
Medical and Pathological Information
Not available.
Fire
No fire erupted on the aircraft or on the ground.
Survival
The pilot survived with body injuries caused by his head striking the instrument panel. The use of a helmet, prescribed for this aircraft, would have minimized these injuries.
Tests and Research
Given the nature of the accident and eyewitness statements, no further research was deemed necessary.
Organization and Management
None.
Additional Information
None.
Analysis
The pilot was qualified to operate the aircraft. The approach to the runway was made inadvertently with the gear retracted. The simplicity of the procedures may have contributed to the pilot neglecting the use of the checklist, which would have detected that the aircraft was not configured for landing. During the flare, the propeller blades touched the asphalt, and the pilot realized the gear was not down. The pilot reacted by applying engine power, believing the aircraft would gain altitude for another circuit. However, due to reduced propeller thrust from blade damage, the aircraft did not gain speed or altitude. Unable to return to the runway and with few landing options due to obstacles, the pilot decided to attempt a landing on National Road N125. The aircraft struck small trees and came to rest in the middle of the road, without causing a road accident. The pilot survived with head injuries; use of a helmet would have minimized these.
Conclusions
Based on the facts presented and subsequent analysis, the following conclusions were drawn: 1. The pilot was qualified to operate the aircraft and acted within his competence and authority. 2. No limitations or restrictions on the aircraft's airworthiness were known. 3. The flight was authorized and occurred within its assigned maneuvering area. 4. The pilot did not report any aircraft system failures. 5. The approach to the runway was made with the gear retracted. 6. During the flare, the propeller blades struck the runway. 7. The collision caused blade damage that significantly reduced propeller thrust. 8. The pilot discontinued the landing by applying engine power. 9. The aircraft did not gain altitude or speed due to reduced propeller thrust. 10. The pilot was forced to land in an unprepared area. 11. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. 12. The pilot sustained serious injuries.
Recommendations
None stated.