What happened
On July 16, 2009, at 12:30 UTC, a Socata TB-200, registration CS-DED, operated by Academia Aeronáutica de Évora, was performing a training flight when it veered off runway 01 at the Évora Aerodrome. The weather conditions were favorable, characterized by clear skies, good visibility, and a light northwest wind of 8 knots.
As the student pilot approached the runway threshold, the engine was reduced to idle to initiate the flare. To compensate for the wind, the pilot applied left aileron and right rudder to maintain alignment. The aircraft initially made contact with the left main wheel followed by the right main wheel. However, the aircraft began to deviate to the left, exiting the paved surface and traveling approximately 70 meters into the adjacent terrain. The aircraft eventually came to a stop in a nose-up position, resting on the main gear, engine cowlings, and propeller.
There were no injuries to the single occupant, who exited the aircraft unassisted.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight controls and the pilot's actions during the landing phase. It was determined that the pilot attempted to correct for the wind using aileron and rudder inputs. Upon the initial touchdown of the left wheel, the pilot relieved pressure on the control stick, which caused the right wheel to strike the runway with more force than intended. This impact caused an instinctive reaction from the student pilot, who reduced the right rudder pressure. Consequently, the aircraft lost directional control and drifted upwind.
Investigators also noted braking marks on the runway, indicating that the pilot applied the brakes in an attempt to keep the aircraft within the runway boundaries. The investigation found no mechanical failures or external factors contributing to the excursion.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller blades, engine cowlings, the left wing root, and the nose gear, the latter of which failed after encountering a small furrow in the ground.
- The primary cause of the runway excursion was the loss of directional control by the student pilot during the landing roll.
- The loss of control was triggered by an improper control input following the initial touchdown, leading to a reduction in rudder authority.