What happened
On December 5, 2011, a Cessna C172S, registration A6-MPL, was performing a solo cross-country navigation training flight when it veered off the runway at Sharjah International Airport. The aircraft, operated by a UAE-based flight training organization, was being piloted by a cadet as part of a multi-crew pilot license program.
After completing a routine navigation route, the aircraft returned to Sharjah for landing on Runway 30. While the approach was initially stable, upon contacting the runway, the right wing lifted, causing the aircraft to veer sharply to the left. Despite efforts by the pilot to maintain directional control using the rudder and ailerons, the aircraft left the paved surface and came to a stop in the sand. The incident resulted in no injuries to the pilot, but the aircraft sustained damage to the engine propeller and the right-hand wing, and airfield ground lighting was also damaged.
The investigation
The GCAA AAIS investigation examined the flight history, the pilot's training status, and the aircraft's maintenance records. The investigation noted that the cadet pilot was on his 31st sortie and his first solo navigation flight. Investigators also reviewed the training organization's manuals regarding crosswind operations and looked into the history of similar occurrences at the facility.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of directional control immediately following touchdown.
- The wind conditions at the time of the incident were 10 knots from 290 degrees, resulting in a minimal crosswind component of approximately 1.74 knots.
- The training organization lacked specific classroom or flight training emphasis on recovery techniques for aircraft veering off the runway during landing.
- The aircraft A6-MPL had a history of a similar incident in March 2011, involving a propeller strike during a solo flight.