What happened
On 28 June 1999, a Europa aircraft, registration G-BXIJ, was performing a private flight at Inverness Airport, Scotland. While the pilot was established on the right base leg for Runway 24, the main landing gear was selected to the down position. However, upon touchdown, the main gear retracted.
Despite the retraction, the aircraft settled onto the runway without significant impact. The monowheel main landing gear remained partially extended from its housing even after retraction, which allowed it to continue supporting the weight of the aircraft. The engine was at idle power during the event, and the only damage sustained was minor contact damage to the tips of the propeller.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the configuration of the landing gear at the time of the incident and the pilot's actions during the approach.
Findings
- The pilot failed to ensure the gear selector lever was fully engaged in the locking gate.
- The pilot did not verify that the landing gear was properly locked in the down position.
- The monowheel gear remained sufficiently proud of its housing to support the aircraft's weight after the retraction occurred.