Incident Overview
On 10 January 1998 at 1535 UTC, a Mooney M20E aircraft, registration G-ASUB, suffered a gear-up landing at North Coates Airfield in Lincolnshire. The aircraft was being flown by the sole occupant, the pilot, for private flight. No injuries occurred, but the propeller and lower fuselage were damaged.
Background and Flight Preparation
The aircraft had been out of service for three months prior to its Certificate of Airworthiness renewal, during which engine maintenance was performed. To verify the aircraft's performance, the pilot decided to practice circuits, focusing on glide approaches and landings. Weather conditions were favorable and the circuit was clear.
Approach and Landing Sequence
The pilot planned a specific approach technique: to delay lowering the landing gear until certain of reaching the airfield from a glide, then adding drag by extending the gear and flaps as needed. Previous circuits proceeded satisfactorily. During the fifth approach, the aircraft was kept intentionally high on finals. The landing gear was selected down and locked into place. Shortly after, a radio call was received from another aircraft reporting overhead Covenham Reservoir and requesting G-ASUB's position. The pilot replied that he was on short finals for Runway 24, performing a glide approach for a go-around.
On short finals, still high, the pilot selected first and second stages of flap, then initiated a left sideslip into wind. This maneuver effectively reduced excess height, and the sideslip was removed. The subsequent flare appeared normal, with the main landing gear making positive contact with the runway, producing a slight bounce. The pilot continued the flare, and a gentle touchdown was accompanied by a loud scraping noise. Initially, the pilot began to apply power but, realizing the wheels were up, closed the throttle. The aircraft slid to a halt about halfway along the runway.
Post-Incident Findings
An eyewitness reported seeing the aircraft touchdown, bounce slightly, and then the landing gear retract. Examination revealed that the landing gear retraction lever was found unlocked, close to the up and locked position. The landing gear is manually retracted with spring assistance by moving the lever through 90 degrees and locking it at the end of its travel. When unlocked, a single red light illuminates and the gear warning horn circuit is armed; closing the throttle triggers the horn. However, the horn is located behind the co-pilot's control panel and is only just audible when wearing headsets with the engine running.