What happened
On 9 April 2011, a SIAI-Marchetti SF-260D, registration N405FD, was conducting a private flight at Oaksey Park Airfield in Wiltshire. During the approach, the pilot opted to land on Runway 17, a runway typically reserved for departures, following a previous conversation with the airfield owner regarding its use. To avoid the Kemble ATZ, the pilot executed a tight circuit pattern.
While on the late downwind leg, the pilot moved the landing gear lever to the down position. Although a red light was observed—signaling that the gear was currently in transit—the pilot failed to verify the presence of the "three green" lights. The aircraft subsequently touched down on the grass runway with the landing gear retracted. The impact caused damage to the wings and propeller, and the engine sustained shock-loading.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's systems following the incident. It was determined that the landing gear had failed to extend and lock because the circuit breaker for the landing gear had tripped during the flight. There were no injuries to the pilot during the event.