What happened
On 19 July 2013, a W.A.R. FW190 replica, registration G-SYFW, was performing a private flight at Shacklewell Farm, Leicestershire. While returning to the home airfield, the pilot initiated a landing approach with the gear selected down. During a practice touch-and-go, the pilot encountered another aircraft in the circuit and opted to perform a go-around. To allow the slower aircraft to clear the area, the pilot retracted the landing gear during the climb-out.
Upon the second approach, the pilot extended the gear and checked the cockpit indicators, noting 'two greens'. However, as the aircraft flared for touchdown, the pilot realized the landing gear had not actually deployed and the green indicator lights were not illuminated. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground with its belly, resulting in damage to the propeller, air box, and the underside of the fuselage. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's electrical and mechanical systems following the incident. It was determined that the electric actuator fuse had blown, which prevented the mainwheels from extending via the primary electric system. The investigation also looked into the cockpit instrumentation and the pilot's monitoring of the landing gear status during the approach phases.