What happened
The pilot, identified as a student aviator, was operating an aircraft on a flight segment between Birmingham, Alabama, and Montgomery, Alabama. The intended purpose of the stop in Montgomery was to execute a touch-and-go landing before continuing the journey back to the origin airport.
Upon arrival at Montgomery Regional Airport, the pilot initiated an approach to Runway 09. At the time of the operation, wind conditions were reported from 360 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts reaching 14 knots. During the landing rollout on Runway 09, the aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the runway. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, causing the aircraft to leave the paved surface and collide with a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) light structure.
The investigation
Examination of the site revealed that the aircraft had departed the runway environment during the landing phase. The collision with the VASI light confirmed the lateral deviation from the runway centerline. No mechanical failures or system malfunctions were identified as contributing factors to the loss of control during the rollout.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout. The crosswind conditions present at the time required precise rudder and aileron inputs to keep the aircraft aligned with the runway centerline. The deviation resulted in the aircraft leaving the runway surface and striking ground-based navigation aids.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure they are proficient in crosswind landing techniques, particularly during the critical rollout phase where directional control is paramount. Proper use of rudder and aileron inputs is essential to counteract wind drift and maintain runway alignment until the aircraft has slowed sufficiently.