Event Summary
On 7 September 2003 at 1540 UTC, a privately operated Yak-52 (registration G-YYAK) sustained damage during landing at Beverley (Linley Hill) Airfield, Humberside. The aircraft carried one pilot and one passenger; neither was injured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Yak-52, manufactured in 1987, was powered by one Ivchenko Vedeneyev M-14P piston engine. The pilot, aged 43, held a Private Pilot's Licence with 339 total flying hours, including 80 hours on the Yak-52 type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 10 hours, and in the last 28 days, 3 hours.
Sequence of Events
The pilot conducted a straight-in approach to land on Runway 12. He had been briefed about pylons crossing the final approach path approximately 1,200 metres from the threshold at a height of 100 feet agl. With three miles to run, he selected and confirmed the landing gear was down. He then focused on locating the pylons. When he selected landing flap, he did not feel the normal pitch change associated with flap selection. With his attention diverted to avoiding the pylons, he continued the approach. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced several times, the propeller splintered, and it became immediately apparent that the landing gear was not extended. After the aircraft came to rest, the pilot observed that both the gear and flap selectors were in the 'up' position.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot concluded that he had raised the landing gear when he intended to lower the flaps. He attributed the error to his unfamiliarity with the airfield and distractions during the final approach, which resulted in the landing checks not being executed correctly. He also believed that an overhead join would have been a more appropriate option, as it would have allowed time to familiarise himself with the airfield.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the propeller and possible shock loading to the engine.