Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft involved was a YAK-52, registered LY-ALU, powered by a single Ivchenko Vedeneyev M-14P piston engine. The pilot, aged 54, held a Commercial Pilot's Licence with Instrument and Flying Instructor Ratings and had accumulated 2,700 flying hours, of which 300 were on type. The flight was private, with the pilot as the sole occupant.
Incident Details
On 31 December 2001 at 1429 UTC, the pilot was returning to Exeter Airport intending to perform a low approach and go-around. During the final approach, he decided to land. The pilot simultaneously selected both flaps and landing gear down, releasing his right hand from the control column to move the gear selector cross-handed while selecting flaps with his left hand. This was not his usual practice.
The pilot recalled hearing the pneumatic system operating, leading him to believe the landing gear had moved to the 'DOWN' position. However, the landing gear did not lock down. The pilot reported that difficult sunlight conditions, with the sun low in the sky, possibly contributed to his failure to notice that the mechanical warning rods, which indicate gear lock-down, were not visible. The aircraft touched down with the landing gear retracted.
Aircraft Systems
The YAK-52's pneumatic system provides pressure for brakes, flaps, landing gear, and engine starting. The landing gear selector, located left of the instrument panel in front of the throttle, has three positions: 'UP', 'NEUTRAL', and 'DOWN'. Two indicating systems exist: an electric system with six lights in each cockpit, and a mechanical system consisting of three indicator rods (one in each wing and one in the upper fuselage) that show three colored and three white bands when the gear is down and locked. On this aircraft, when the gear is retracted, the wheels still protrude below the wing surface, limiting damage.
Damage and Injuries
The incident resulted in damage to the propeller, trailing edge of flaps, and possible shock loading of the engine. No injuries were reported.
Investigation
The AAIB investigated the incident based on information supplied by the pilot. No formal probable cause was assigned.