AAIB investigation to Spitfire MK.T IX, G-CICK
Landing gear retracted on landing, Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire, 16 June 2017.
Summary:
After turning the aircraft onto the downwind leg of the circuit at Sywell, the pilot moved the landing gear selector to DOWN to lower the landing gear in preparation for landing. The landing gear appeared to extend normally and the pilot stated that he thought that he felt the landing gear locks engage. During the completion of the pre-landing checks the pilot observed that the green landing gear DOWN indication appeared to be lit, indicating that the landing gear was extended and locked. Immediately after touchdown the landing gear retracted and the propeller struck the ground, breaking all four blades. The aircraft slid for a short distance before coming to rest on the runway. After recovery of the aircraft, the landing gear extension and retraction system was tested and found to operate normally. The pilot attributed the incident to the effect of sunlight shining on the landing gear position indication panel, which gave the false impression that the DOWN panel was illuminated and that the landing gear was locked in the extended position.
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