History of the Flight
The YAK-52, registration G-IMIC, departed for a private flight in the Yarmouth area. After approximately 10 minutes, the pilot decided to return to Seething Airfield, Norwich. Weather conditions were good with light and variable wind. As the pilot approached the airfield, no traffic indications were heard on the radio frequency. He elected to fly a straight-in approach to Runway 24.
Positioned on long finals, the pilot reduced speed and began configuring the aircraft for landing. Reaching for the landing gear lever, he heard another aircraft report that it was backtracking Runway 24. The pilot lowered the nose to see the other aircraft and, once it cleared the runway, slowed to 170 kph and lowered the flaps. He heard the pneumatic flaps operate but noticed the 'flaps down' light did not illuminate. The pilot considered recycling the flaps but decided to continue due to benign weather, short distance to the runway, and stable aircraft at 150 kph. Just before touchdown, he realized the landing gear was not extended. The aircraft landed with wheels retracted, came to a quick stop, and the pilot vacated the aircraft normally. No fire occurred.
The pilot concluded that distraction from the other aircraft and the minor malfunction of the 'flaps down' light prevented him from lowering the landing gear.
Previous Wheels-Up Landings
A CAA database search revealed nine wheels-up landings involving YAK-50s and 13 involving YAK-52s between October 1995 and this accident. Five were attributed to system failures, leaving 17 likely due to human factors. As of June 2010, there were 22 YAK-50s and 57 YAK-52s on the UK register. An analysis of wheels-up landing events from the CAA database indicated a significant number of such incidents in YAK aircraft compared with other single-engine retractable-gear types. Direct numerical comparison per flying hour or per flight was not possible due to data limitations.
Safety Action
A meeting hosted by the CAA included the AAIB and several UK YAK flying community members. The meeting reviewed YAK wheels-up landings; both experienced and inexperienced pilots were involved, and no specific reason for the higher rate could be identified. A large proportion of retractable-gear aircraft are fitted with a 'gear not down' warning device that activates a horn or flashing light when gear is up and other parameters indicate an impending landing. While such systems have not totally prevented wheels-up landings, they have reduced the rate. Modifications for these systems are available but not standard, so most UK YAKs lack them.
Operators noted insurance companies were aware of the issue and premiums might increase; insurers indicated possible discounts for aircraft with relevant modifications. Operators were concerned the CAA should not mandate such modifications. The CAA concluded that, due to landing gear design mitigating consequences, these incidents did not represent an unsafe condition per EASA Part 21; thus mandatory Airworthiness Directive action was not necessary.
To reduce the rate, raising pilot awareness was deemed most effective. Owners would be made aware of 'gear not down' warning systems and insurance benefits of fitting them. YAK operators agreed to use forums to increase pilot awareness. The CAA agreed to produce information for all UK YAK owners and publish an article on operations with retractable-gear aircraft. The AAIB would continue monitoring the wheels-up landing rate in YAK aircraft.