What happened
On 7 September 2003, a Yak-52, registration G-YYAK, was conducting a private flight at Beverley (Linley Hill) Airfield. Following an uneventful flight, the pilot decided to perform a straight-in approach to Runway 12. Because the pilot was unfamiliar with the airfield, he had been briefed on specific landmarks, including pylons, and was instructed to cross the final approach path at 100 feet altitude approximately 1,200 metres from the threshold.
While approximately three miles from the runway, the pilot checked and confirmed that the landing gear was in the down position. However, as the aircraft continued its approach, the pilot's attention shifted toward locating the approach pylons. During this period, the pilot attempted to select the landing flaps. Although he did not notice the absence of the expected pitch change during the selection, his focus remained on navigating the approach landmarks.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced multiple times. During the landing sequence, the propeller splintered, and it became immediately apparent that the landing gear had not been deployed. Upon bringing the aircraft to a stop, the pilot discovered that both the flap and gear selectors were positioned in the 'up' position. The pilot determined that he had accidentally raised the gear while attempting to lower the flaps.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of events leading to the gear retraction. The investigation established that the pilot's lack of familiarity with the Linley Hill Airfield layout contributed to a loss of situational awareness. The need to visually locate specific pylons during the final stages of the approach acted as a significant distraction.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the incorrect execution of landing checks due to pilot distraction and airfield unfamiliarity.
- The pilot's concentration on locating approach pylons diverted attention away from the cockpit controls.
- The pilot mistakenly moved the landing gear selector to the 'up' position while attempting to deploy the flaps.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and potential shock loading to the engine.