Accident Description
On 19 February 2000 at 1744 hours UTC, a Cessna F177RG, registration G-AYSY, was on a private ferry flight from Meppershall Airfield with a short stop at Elstree Aerodrome to drop off a passenger, before continuing to Denham Aerodrome, Middlesex. The weather was good but the light was decreasing as night approached. The pilot reported to the AFISO on approach to Runway 06, stating "Final, Green Light." During the final approach, the pilot was adjusting interior lights and switching on the landing light. The aircraft touched down with a crashing noise, and the pilot realized the landing gear was not extended. After coming to rest on the runway, the pilot transmitted "Green Light! I had Green light," which the AFISO recalled hearing.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna F177RG, year of manufacture 1972, powered by one Lycoming IO-360-A1B6 piston engine. It sustained damage to the underside and propeller, and the engine was shockloaded.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 52, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 738 hours total flying experience, of which 280 were on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 4 hours, and in the last 28 days, 2 hours. He reported no injuries.
Pilot's Observations
The pilot stated that he was positive the landing gear warning horn had not activated at any time. He noted a previous problem with the warning, attributed to an intermittent contact which had been adjusted. He considered that the accident occurred because he had not made his normal check of the landing gear position on late finals, having failed to correctly complete his pre-landing checks. He attributed this to distraction caused by his perceived need to ensure the landing light was on. He also considered the possibility that he had selected the landing gear down and obtained a green light, then inadvertently raised the gear with the side of his arm while adjusting the landing light switch. He identified the inoperative landing gear warning horn as a contributing factor.