What happened
On 11 August 2013, a Yak C.11, registration G-BTZE, was undergoing pre-flight procedures at Wycombe Air Park, Buckinghamshire. During the taxiing phase of the operation, the left main landing gear unexpectedly retracted. This movement caused the aircraft's propeller and the left wingtip to strike the ground, resulting in damage to both components. The flight was a private operation, and there were no passengers on board at the time of the incident. The pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
Following the event, the AAIB examined the circumstances surrounding the gear retraction. The investigation focused on the actions of the pilot during the pre-flight phase. The pilot reported that the accidental retraction of the landing gear was the result of an inadvertent selection of the landing gear lever to the 'UP' position. This error was attributed to a series of distractions and interruptions that the pilot experienced while preparing the aircraft for flight.