Summary
On 3 November 2019, at approximately 8:45 am local time, a Cessna 172 aircraft, registration 9H-AEX, operated by Malta School of Flying, experienced a runway excursion during landing at Malta International Airport. The aircraft had taken off from Runway 23 but was instructed to land on Runway 31 due to a NOTAM (A1316-19) that rendered Runway 23 unavailable for landing. Weather conditions were visual, with an average wind of 10.6 knots from 210 degrees, gusting between 7.4 and 15.9 knots.
Factual Information
The aircraft landed to the right of the Runway 31 centerline. After a 60-meter roll, it exited the paved surface onto grass. During the excursion, the nosewheel struck a runway edge light mounted on a concrete base, resulting in a punctured tire and serious damage to the nosewheel hub. No injuries were reported. The pilot had requested a midfield landing, but the aircraft touched down on the initial portion of the runway. Post-accident, the pilot and passenger evacuated the aircraft; the pilot then returned to the aircraft to inform air traffic control of their status.
Findings
Examination of touchdown marks indicated the aircraft was not aligned with the runway centerline and drifted sideways. The pilot stated that he attempted a crabbed crosswind landing technique, but the technique was not applied correctly. The aircraft's operating manual specifies a demonstrated crosswind velocity of 15 knots; the crosswind component at landing was approximately 9 knots, within the aircraft's certification limits. The investigation determined that the wind conditions may have exceeded the pilot's ability to execute a safe landing.
Cause
The Bureau of Air Accidents Investigations (Malta) determined that the cause of the accident was an improperly applied crosswind landing technique due to inexperience.
Recommendations
The investigation issued two recommendations. First, it recommended installing high-resolution and infrared cameras to assist air traffic control personnel in viewing the area where the accident occurred. Second, it recommended that the position for midfield landings on Runway 31 be properly defined and published in the Aeronautical Information Publication, specifically as the midpoint between Taxiway Charlie and Taxiway Foxtrot.