Incident Overview
On 1 May 2009, at 0930 UTC, a privately operated Yakovlev Yak-52 (registration G-OCBT) sustained damage during landing at Little Gransden Airfield in Cambridgeshire. The aircraft was returning from Wyton Airfield and completing its third flight of the day. After performing aerobatics for 20 minutes in the airfield overhead, the pilot joined the visual circuit downwind.
Landing Gear Selection
Prior to landing, the pilot selected the three-position landing gear lever from UP to what he believed was the DOWN position. However, he did not check the landing gear indication. Just before touchdown, the propeller shattered and passed down the right side of the aircraft. The aircraft came to rest with its landing gear retracted, and the pilot observed that the landing gear lever was in the NEUTRAL position.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that he believed the landing gear had lowered because he heard the characteristic "hiss" of the pneumatic system. He attributed the failure to check the indication to the heavy workload and the short transition from aerobatics to landing. The pilot also noted that he had recently been flying another aircraft type equipped with a two-position landing gear lever.
Damage and Injuries
The propeller, aerial, and engine were shock-loaded. There were no injuries; the sole occupant (the pilot) was uninjured. The pilot held a Commercial Pilot's Licence, with 1,145 hours total flying experience, including 50 hours on type.
Investigation Findings
The pilot had inadvertently selected the landing gear lever from UP to NEUTRAL and had not verified the gear indication. No probable cause was stated in the official report.