What happened
On 24 July 2012, a Yakolev YAK-18T, registration G-VYAK, was performing a series of visual circuits at Popham Airfield in Hampshire. The weather conditions were favorable, characterized by good visibility and light winds. During the downwind leg of a touch-and-go maneuver, the pilot became preoccupied with searching for other aircraft in the circuit after hearing a radio transmission regarding a second aircraft. While scanning the holding point for departing traffic, the pilot failed to extend the landing gear despite having selected the landing flaps.
As the aircraft transitioned to the final approach, it settled onto the grass runway. The aircraft subsequently slid across the surface before coming to a halt. The pilot was able to secure the aircraft and communicate via radio that there were no injuries following the event.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of events leading to the landing gear omission. The investigation established that the pilot's attention had been diverted by the task of monitoring other aircraft lining up and taking off at the airfield. This visual search for circuit traffic resulted in the pilot overlooking the landing gear lever during the approach phase.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained a destroyed propeller and minor damage to the flaps and the trailing edge of the wing.
- The pilot's distraction while searching for other circuit traffic caused the failure to lower the landing gear.