Inadvertent landing gear retraction, Blackshape S.p.A. BS 115, PH-TRZ, Lelystad Airport
The pilot performed an acceptance flight with the Blackshape BS115, a Very Light Aircraft, after which it would be used for flight training. The pilot, who had a total flight experience of 7,650 hours, of which 8 hours on the type concerned, was sitting in the front seat. The person in the back seat had the role of observer and would, in consultation with the pilot, perform some actions during the flight. The observer was a pilot, but not in possession of a single engine piston rating, which is required to fly the Blackshape.
In the rear cockpit, a mode selector is located, which can be rotated by using a key. Three different modes can be selected: OFF / PASSENGER / TRAINING. In the OFF position, the flaps and gear controls and indications of the rear cockpit are disabled. In the PASSENGER position, the flaps and gear controls are still disabled, but EFIS and indication systems of the rear cockpit are available. When the mode selector is in TRAINING position, all the rear cockpit indications (EFIS, flaps, gear) and controls (flaps, gear) are available.
Before commencement of the flight, the PASSENGER mode was selected. After an uneventful flight, the observer selected the TRAINING mode, when the
aircraft flew in the traffic pattern, and took over the flight controls. He configured the aircraft for landing and then the pilot took over the flight controls again on final. The aircraft made a safe landing. While vacating the runway, in consultation with the pilot, the observer selected the PASSENGER mode again and a warning horn sounded. Then, he immediately turned the selector back to the TRAINING mode. Nevertheless, the main landing gear of the Blackshape had collapsed. Both occupants remained unharmed. The landing gear actuator rods were found broken and the aircraft was, amongst others, damaged to the flap hinges and landing gear actuator system.
This incident is described extensively in the quarterly aviation report over the 4th quarter of 2020.
