Aircraft Information
The accident aircraft was a Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee Arrow II, registration G-GYMM, manufactured in 1971. It was powered by a single Lycoming IO-360-C1C piston engine.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and was 43 years old. He had accumulated 103 hours of total flying experience, with 40 hours on the accident aircraft type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 11 hours, and in the previous 28 days, 3 hours.
Accident Narrative
The pilot initially approached Runway 03 with the landing gear retracted. After observing vehicles near the runway, he decided to execute a go-around. He then repositioned for an approach to Runway 21. During this second approach, an alarm sounded. The pilot associated the alarm with a low throttle position and advanced the throttle slightly, expecting the alarm to stop. When it did not, he assumed the switch had malfunctioned and continued the approach. Shortly before touchdown, the pilot realized the landing gear was still up. He selected the gear down, but it was too late, and the aircraft landed with the wheels retracted.
Damage
The accident resulted in a bent propeller, engine shock loading, and minor damage to the flaps. The pilot reported no injuries.
Investigation Source
The information for this article was derived from the pilot's Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted to the AAIB (Bulletin 3/2009, reference EW/G2008/10/05). No probable cause was stated in the source.