Incident Overview
An instructional flight encountered a runway excursion resulting in a collision with a fence. The aircraft involved was a Cessna equipped with a Navomatic autopilot system. No injuries were reported from the event.
Sequence of Events
During the approach, the student pilot was not properly aligned with the runway. On final, the certified flight instructor (CFI) assumed control of the aircraft. The CFI reported that when he applied rudder control, the aircraft did not respond as expected. After touchdown, the aircraft veered to the right, departed the runway surface, and collided with a fence.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical malfunction with the rudder control system. The Cessna Navomatic autopilot was found in the 'ON' position; however, it was identified as an electric, single-axis aileron control unit and did not influence rudder operation. No further causal factors were identified in the source material.