What happened
During a private instructional flight at Kilkenny, an Urban Air UFM-10 Samba XXL (registration OK-KUA 26) experienced a runway excursion during its third circuit. The flight, which included a navigational exercise and two prior successful circuits, was being conducted with a student pilot as the handling pilot and an instructor present.
As the aircraft approached the runway for touchdown, it experienced a sudden yaw to the left. The aircraft made contact with the runway in a crabbed orientation, causing it to skid left and veer off the paved surface into rougher terrain. The impact resulted in significant damage, including the shearing of the nose wheel and the right undercarriage leg, as well as damage to the engine cowling and propeller. Both crew members exited the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The investigation confirmed that the aircraft, which operated under a Czech Republic Permit-to-Fly approved by the IAA, was properly maintained and serviceable. The instructor and student both held valid licenses, and the training facility was appropriately registered.
Investigators examined the sequence of the landing, noting that the aircraft had been properly established on approach and that the round-out and hold-off phases appeared normal until the moment of touchdown. The investigation also looked into the timing of the instructor's response to the sudden change in aircraft attitude.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was a loss of directional control, likely triggered by an unintentional control input from the student pilot.
- The instructor attempted to intervene to correct the yaw, but the timing of the input was too late to prevent the aircraft from touching down in a crabbed state.
- The aircraft's departure from the runway was a direct result of the leftward skid following the improper touchdown.