THE slow-speed crash of a vintage jet at Bournemouth Airport in April was the result of pilot error, a report has concluded.

The historic Sea Vixen, G-CVIX, had slowed to around 15 knots and the pilot began carrying out the ‘after landing’ checklist when he mistakenly flicked the landing gear switch to up.

The nose wheel and left main gear retracted and the plane dropped into its nose and the left under wing fuel tank.

Fire crews were already ready and waiting at the scene having been alerted by air traffic control because the pilot had just carried out a ‘fly-by’ of the control tower to check there was no problem with the gear.

The findings are contained in a report just published by the Air Accident Investigation Branch.

It says the 55-year-old pilot, who left the cockpit unhurt, had also been flying other aircraft in the preceding weeks, including the Hawk and the Hunter.

“Both of these types have the flap selector switch located to the left of the instrument panel... in a similar position to the landing gear selector of the Sea Vixen.”

The AAIB investigation concludes that it is probable that the pilot’s recent flying experience led him to “inadvertently selecting the landing gear switch to UP, instead of operating the flap selector.”

The plane, which was built in 1963, is a regular favourite at the Bournemouth Air Festival, though it did not appear this year.

Paul Kingsbury, chief engineer of Bournemouth airport based DS Aviation, said: “The nose of the Sea Vixen is currently being re-sprayed after four months of repairs.

“It has been a labour of love with us having to beg, borrow and steal other parts from Sea Vixens. But it’s been worth it because she is fine and we are hoping she will be flying again next February.”