What happened
On 16 May 1998, a DH115 Vampire MK55, registration G-DHWW, was participating in a private training flight. After completing a routine landing on Runway 08 at Bournemouth Airport, the aircraft proceeded to taxi away from the runway at a speed of approximately 5 to 10 knots.
While performing after-landing checklists, the pilot mistakenly moved the landing gear lever instead of the flap lever. This action resulted in the retraction of the landing gear while the aircraft was still in motion, leading to minor damage to the belly of the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of events following the landing and the pilot's execution of the post-landing procedures. The investigation noted that the aircraft was being operated under a Private Pilot's Licence and that the commander possessed significant total flying experience, though only 52 hours had been logged on this specific type.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the inadvertent retraction of the landing gear due to a configuration error during the completion of after-landing checks.
- Local operating procedures at Bournemouth Airport advise against leaving the engine running on asphalt surfaces while the aircraft is in motion, as the engine's jet efflux can damage the pavement.
Safety action
Following the incident, the aircraft operator updated its internal procedures. The amended protocols now mandate that flap retraction must not be performed until the aircraft has reached a complete stop.