History of the Flight
On 7 September 2006, a privately operated Yak-52 (registration G-YAKI) departed on a local flight from Popham Airfield, Hampshire. The flight was uneventful until the return leg. While joining the crosswind leg for a right-hand circuit on Runway 03, the pilot attempted to lower the landing gear. The lever would not move beyond the mid or off position, and the gear remained retracted.
After several orbits and multiple unsuccessful attempts to lower the gear, the pilot performed a low pass over the airfield followed by a steep pull-up. This manoeuvre had no effect. On the downwind leg, the pilot decided to land with the gear retracted, keeping the engine running and flaps extended.
Landing
The aircraft touched down with the landing gear retracted. The propeller struck the ground and broke. Minor damage occurred to the flaps, and two small dents were found on the right wing leading edge. The aircraft rolled to a halt, and both the pilot and passenger evacuated normally without injury.
Aftermath
After temporary airframe repairs and replacement of the engine and propeller, the aircraft was ferried to a maintenance organisation at White Waltham, which specialises in Yak aircraft. Extensive testing of the landing gear system could not replicate the reported symptoms, and no faults were found.