What happened
On April 26, 2016, a student pilot was performing a solo flight at EPMO. After touching down on runway 26, the pilot lost directional control during the landing roll. The aircraft drifted off the runway onto the adjacent grass area.
Following the excursion, the pilot confirmed via radio that there were no injuries. The aircraft subsequently taxied to a hangar, where a post-flight inspection revealed damage to the right wingtip and the propeller, as well as damage to the engine caused by the impact.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator, focused on the sequence of events during the landing phase and the environmental conditions present at the time of the incident. The inquiry examined the pilot's control inputs and the impact of external weather factors on the aircraft's stability during the rollout.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the student pilot's failure to properly react to a crosswind during the landing roll.
- The aircraft, a Cessna 152, sustained damage to the right wingtip, propeller, and engine.
- There were no injuries to the pilot or any other persons involved.