Incident Overview
On 17 July 2011, at 1345Z, a Yakovlev-Yak-52 aircraft, registration ZU-RUS, operated by Andre Naude Finansiële Adviseurs CC, was involved in an incident at Pietersburg Civil Aerodrome (FAPI). The flight was a private local flight that was returning to the same aerodrome. The pilot was the sole occupant; there were no injuries and no fatalities. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Sequence of Events
During the landing roll on Runway 26, the pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear instead of the flaps. The main landing gear retracted, causing the aircraft to skid on the runway surface on its tail. The aircraft then veered off to the right of Runway 26 and came to a stop on the grass adjacent to the runway. The nose landing gear remained extended, preventing the propeller blades from contacting the ground.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained damage to the left and right ailerons, wing tips, the bottom tail section, and the rudder. The damage was classified as substantial.
Meteorological Information
The weather at the time of the incident was reported as surface wind 260° at 5 knots, temperature 19°C, and good visibility.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the incident was that the pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear instead of the flaps after landing.