Accident
On 20 July 2003 at 1400Z, a Yakovlev YAK-52 aircraft, registration ZU-ARB, was involved in an accident at Nadini aerodrome in Worcester, South Africa. The pilot, who held a private license and had 171.5 total flying hours (19 on type), was accompanied by his son on a local pleasure flight. The aircraft was operating under private operations. The weather was CAVOK with wind from 300 degrees at 10 knots.
During the landing approach to Runway 11, the pilot noticed the aircraft was below the normal touchdown height and realized the landing gear was not extended. He initiated a go-around by applying full power. The aircraft responded and accelerated normally, reaching approximately 150 km/h. The pilot turned right to complete another circuit and identify the undercarriage problem. At an altitude of approximately 200-300 feet AGL, the engine rpm suddenly increased. The aircraft rolled violently to the right and pitched nose-down. The pilot applied left rudder, pulled back on the control stick, and apparently closed the throttle. He could not recall subsequent events.
The aircraft collided with the ground and was extensively damaged. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and his son suffered slight injuries. Inspection of the runway revealed that the propeller had contacted the ground during the initial approach, resulting in significant damage to the propeller blades.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft, a YAK-52, had its last Annual Inspection certified on 7 January 2003 at 984.35 airframe hours. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had accumulated an additional 37.15 hours. No on-site investigation was conducted.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the official report, is that due to the landing gear being in the retracted position on approach, the propeller made contact with the ground. The pilot attempted a go-around and applied power, but shortly afterward the propeller disintegrated, leading to a loss of control and the aircraft crashing next to the runway.