Undershot landing of Yak-52 at Popham Airfield

Casualties unknown • Popham Airstrip, Hampshire, GB

A private flight involving a Yak-52 ended with a propeller strike and engine damage after the pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear during the approach.

What happened

On 15 September 2002, a Yak-52, registration RA44473, was returning to Popham Airfield in Hampshire following an aerobatic session at Compton Abbas, Dorset. As evening approached, the pilot attempted to complete the landing before sunset. During the downwind leg of the approach, the pilot confirmed the undercarriage was in the down position by checking both the cockpit lights and the external mechanical indicators.

While flying the base leg, the pilot attempted to extend the flaps but became confused regarding the aircraft's current configuration, believing the flaps might already be deployed. During the landing flare, a loud noise originated from the rear of the aircraft as the propeller struck the ground. The propeller disintegrated during the subsequent roll, causing damage to the engine and propeller. The pilot exited the aircraft without injury.

The investigation

The investigation established that the pilot had accidentally moved the landing gear selector to the up position while attempting to manage the flap configuration. Although the landing gear and flap selectors are positioned at a distance from one another, they share a very similar design. Furthermore, the indicator lights for both the flaps and the gear are located adjacent to the landing gear selector, which contributed to the error.

Several environmental and personal factors were identified. The pilot was attempting to land quickly to avoid darkness and had not taken a scheduled break between his previous flight and this arrival. The low light levels at dusk also made it more difficult for the pilot to notice that the aircraft was descending at an incorrect height during the flare.

Findings

  • The pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear while attempting to adjust the flaps.
  • The similar design of the landing gear and flap selectors facilitated the error.
  • The proximity of the landing gear indicator lights to the gear selector contributed to the confusion.
  • The pilot's desire to land before sunset and the lack of a rest period between flights influenced the sequence of events.
  • Diminished visibility due to dusk hindered the pilot's ability to perceive the aircraft's low altitude during the flare.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's accidental retraction of the landing gear during the approach, a mistake facilitated by the similar design of the cockpit controls and the pilot's haste to land before sunset.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-09-15 YAK-52 accident near Popham Airstrip, Hampshire, GB?

A private flight involving a Yak-52 ended with a propeller strike and engine damage after the pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear during the approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-09-15 involved a YAK-52, registration RA44473, at Popham Airstrip, Hampshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's accidental retraction of the landing gear during the approach, a mistake facilitated by the similar design of the cockpit controls and the pilot's haste to land before sunset.

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