What happened
On 21 October 2000, an Aerostar SA Yak-52, registration G-BWVR, was conducting a private local flight departing from Manchester (Barton) Airfield. During the circuit, the pilot was positioned on the right-hand downwind leg of Runway 27. While performing pre-landing checks, the pilot lowered the landing gear, a fact confirmed by both the pilot's actions and the observations of the duty Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO).
During the final approach, the pilot encountered two microlight aircraft ahead. To maintain separation, the pilot initiated a go-around, climbing to 8/00 feet QFE. During this maneuver, the pilot retracted the landing gear and flaps. Following the climb, the pilot turned right onto the downwind leg and subsequently lowered the flaps at the end of the base leg. However, the pilot did not re-extend the landing gear.
As the aircraft returned for a subsequent approach, the pilot encountered intense glare from the low winter sun, which obscured the view of the preceding traffic. Although the ATCO observed that the gear remained retracted and attempted to signal the pilot using a red Aldis lamp, the signal was not seen. Upon reaching the threshold, the pilot continued the landing. The aircraft flared at a normal height, but because the gear was up, the propeller blade tips struck the ground, causing the aircraft to settle onto the retracted wheels and extended flaps. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
The investigation established that the aircraft was not equipped with a radio, which prevented the pilot from receiving verbal instructions or warnings from the tower. The investigation also examined the environmental conditions, noting the presence of strong sunlight glare along the runway centerline. The pilot's actions during the go-around were scrutinized, specifically the sequence of gear and flap retraction and the subsequent failure to verify the gear position.
Findings
- The pilot became preoccupied with maintaining safe separation from slower microlight aircraft ahead.
- The pilot failed to re-extend the landing gear following the go-around maneuver.
- Intense glare from the low winter sun prevented the pilot from seeing the preceding aircraft and obscured the ATCO's red light signal.
- The absence of onboard radio equipment meant the pilot could not receive auditory warnings from Air Traffic Control regarding the gear status.