Accident Overview
On 17 October 1999 at 1400 hours, a private YAK-52 aircraft, registration G-BWFP, landed with its landing gear retracted at Liverpool Airport. The aircraft was manufactured in 1985 and powered by one Ivchenko Vedeneyev M-14P piston engine. The sole occupant, a 52-year-old private pilot with 583 total flying hours (99 on type), was not injured. The accident caused a broken propeller, shock-loaded engine, and flap damage.
Sequence of Events
Following a local flight, the pilot entered the downwind leg for Runway 09 and lowered the landing gear. Three green indicator lights confirmed gear down. Air traffic control (ATC) advised the pilot he was number two to another aircraft, which he could not see, and instructed him to orbit. Unsure of the number of holds, the pilot raised the landing gear. After one orbit, ATC cleared him to continue, and he located the lead aircraft on final approach about 1.5 nautical miles from touchdown.
After the lead aircraft landed and rolled out, the Yak was cleared to 'land after'. On short final, the pilot monitored the other traffic on the runway. When sufficient distance was available, he landed with the landing gear still retracted. The aircraft's wheels, when stowed, protrude below the wing undersides, providing some protection, but the propeller struck the runway, and the trailing edge of the flap sustained 5 cm of wear over a 46 cm width.
Post-Accident Actions
The pilot carried out emergency drills, isolating aircraft systems, and exited by sliding back the canopy. The airfield fire service responded immediately. Weather was good: surface wind 110°/14 kt, visibility 5 km, nil weather, few clouds at 3,500 feet, temperature 13°C, and dry runway. The YAK-52 has no audio warning system linked to throttle position or airspeed to alert the pilot if the gear is not down.
Probable Cause
The pilot stated that his failure to complete cockpit checks prior to landing, due to distraction from monitoring the other aircraft on the runway, caused the accident.