What happened
On 27 June 2009, a Yak-50, registration G-HAMM, was conducting a private flight at North Weald Airfield, Essex. While joining the right-hand downwind for Runway 20, the pilot performed the necessary procedures for landing. The pilot noted that the landing gear was lowered and believed the gear had deployed successfully. Due to high traffic volume on the frequency, the pilot did not broadcast a landing report on final approach.
Approximately 100 metres after the aircraft touched down, the landing gear collapsed. This resulted in the propeller making contact with the ground, causing damage to both the propeller and the landing gear assembly. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry examined the sequence of events leading to the touchdown and the state of the aircraft's systems. The pilot indicated that there were no obvious defects found in the aircraft's operation prior to the incident. The investigation also looked into the pilot's cockpit communications, specifically the decision not to report the final approach due to radio congestion.
Findings
- The pilot believed the landing gear had been extended and locked prior to landing.
- The pilot did not make a landing report on final approach because the radio frequency was busy.
- The landing gear collapsed approximately 100 metres after the aircraft reached the ground.
- The incident resulted in damage to the landing gear and the propeller.