Incident Overview
On 31 August 2007, at approximately 0819Z, a Yakovlev Yak 52, registration ZU-CWJ, executed a landing with the landing gear retracted at Margate Aerodrome (FAMG). The aircraft was on a private flight with the pilot and one passenger aboard, returning to Margate after departure. The pilot held a valid private pilot licence and had logged 232.6 total flying hours, with 26.5 hours on type.
Flight and Landing Sequence
The pilot reported selecting the landing gear down prior to landing, receiving a green indication light. After receiving clearance from air traffic control to land on runway 04, the pilot chose to perform a flapless landing at an indicated air speed of 65 knots. On touchdown, the aircraft sank with a high nose-up attitude, and the pilot realized the landing gear was retracted.
Cockpit Indication System
During an interview, the pilot explained that on the Yak 52, when the flaps are up, a green light illuminates; a red light indicates flaps down. Conversely, for the landing gear, a green light confirms gear down and locked. The landing gear lever has three positions: up, neutral, and down. The pilot unintentionally moved the lever to neutral instead of down, and mistook the flap indication (green) for the landing gear down indication. The error was only recognized after the landing.
Injuries and Damage
Neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained injuries. The aircraft suffered minor damage to the landing gear and wooden propeller.
Aircraft and Maintenance
The Yak 52 held a valid Authority to Fly Certificate issued 18 July 2007, expiring 7 July 2008. The last annual inspection was certified by an approved maintenance organization (AMO Certificate No. 151).
Weather Conditions
Meteorological information indicated light and variable wind, temperature 26°C, and slight haze.
Probable Cause
The pilot landed the aircraft with the landing gear retracted.