Casualties unknown

2011-07-10: Beech 76 Duchess (G-WACJ) — Wycome Air Park, Buckinghamshire, GB

Wycome Air Park, Buckinghamshire, GB

On July 10, 2011, a Beech 76 Duchess (registration G-WACJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Wycome Air Park, Buckinghamshire, GB. This summary draws on records from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Sourcesthe UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)Primary reportUpdated 1785053200Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, a Beech 76 Duchess inadvertently had its landing gear retracted after a touch-and-go, resulting in damage to the aircraft. No injuries occurred.

Summary

On 10 July 2011, a Beech 76 Duchess (registration G-WACJ) operated by an unnamed training centre was conducting a training flight at Wycombe Air Park, Buckinghamshire. During a touch-and-go landing, the landing gear was inadvertently retracted, causing the aircraft to slide on its underside. Both engines shock-loaded, and the propellers and nacelles sustained damage. The two crew members were not injured.

Narrative

According to the pilot's report, the student and instructor had completed several Engine Failure After Takeoff (EFATO) drills in the local area before returning to Wycombe for circuits. The EFATO drills involved raising the flaps and landing gear immediately after selecting full power to climb away. On final approach for a touch-and-go, the instructor recalled checking for three green landing gear indicators. The aircraft touched down normally, and the student applied full power. As the aircraft accelerated, the nose began to drop, leading the instructor to believe the nose gear had collapsed. The instructor took control, shut down the engines and electrical systems, and the aircraft slid to a halt on the runway. After exiting, the instructor noted that the gear lever was in the up position. He believed that the student, following the sequence practiced during the earlier EFATO drills, had inadvertently raised the landing gear immediately after selecting full power.

Aftermath

The training centre initiated a safety review of touch-and-go exercises in response to the incident. No other actions are mentioned in the source.