Synopsis
On 5 November 2018, at approximately 1440 UTC, a Piper PA-24-250 Comanche, registration G-TALF, sustained damage during a gear-up landing at Tatenhill Airfield in Staffordshire. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured and exited the aircraft without assistance.
Flight Details
The pilot, a 61-year-old Private Pilot License holder with 232 total flying hours (11 on type), intended to practice circuits. After waiting for low cloud to clear and consulting with other pilots, he deemed the weather conditions suitable for the flight.
Sequence of Events
During the initial climb on the crosswind leg, visibility became "noticeably poor." After turning downwind, the pilot had difficulty remaining visual with the runway. He shortened the downwind leg and lowered the landing gear, but realizing he was high, he elected to go around.
On the second circuit, visibility worsened. The pilot became preoccupied with the poor conditions and forgot to complete his downwind checks, consequently omitting to lower the landing gear. The aircraft touched down with the gear retracted, veered to the right, and came to rest on the edge of the runway.
Aircraft and Damage
The aircraft, a 1959 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche (serial number 24-1094), was powered by a single Lycoming O-540-A1B5 piston engine. The propeller and fuselage were damaged.
Pilot Information
The commander held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had flown 2 hours in the previous 90 days and 0 hours in the last 28 days. No injuries were reported.