What happened
On 11 August 2007, a Gardan GY80-160 Horizon, registration G-ASZS, was conducting circuit practice at Wellesbourne Mountford Aerodrome in Warwickshire. The flight was a private operation, and the pilot had previously completed two successful touch-and-go landings during the session.
During the third circuit, the pilot initiated a go-around due to heavy traffic in the circuit area, specifically to accommodate an aircraft ahead. During this maneuver, the pilot became distracted by the surrounding traffic. Consequently, the pilot failed to lower the undercarriage before attempting the subsequent landing.
The aircraft touched down with the landing gear retracted. Because the wheels protrude slightly even when the gear is in the up position, the pilot maintained control of the aircraft and steered it onto the grass area to the right of the asphalt runway. The impact caused the propeller to strike the ground, resulting in a shock-load to the engine and damage to the propeller. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances leading to the landing gear omission and the failure of onboard safety systems. The AAIB established that the pilot's attention had been diverted by the need to manage spacing with other aircraft in a busy circuit environment.
Crucially, the investigation examined the aircraft's landing gear warning system. The Gardan GY80-160 Horizon is equipped with a warning horn intended to activate if the engine speed drops below 1,600 rpm while the gear remains retracted. However, it was determined that this warning horn failed to function during the incident.