Introduction
On 28 June 1999 at 2025 hours UTC, a Europa aircraft, registration G-BXIJ, experienced a landing gear retraction during landing at Inverness Airport, Scotland. The private flight was operated under a Private Pilot's Licence and carried two crew members with no passengers. No injuries were reported.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft, manufactured in 1997, was powered by a single Rotax 912-UL piston engine. The commander, aged 62, held 482 hours total flying experience, including 81 hours on type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 24 hours, with 11 hours in the last 28 days.
Incident Details
The pilot selected the main landing gear down while on right base leg for Runway 24. Upon touchdown, the main gear retracted, and the aircraft settled gently onto the runway. The monowheel main landing gear remains proud of its housing when retracted and still supported the aircraft's weight. The engine was at idle power, and the propeller suffered only minor ground contact damage at its tips.
Probable Cause
The pilot attributed the incident to the gear selector lever not being fully engaged in the locking gate and to his failure to check it.