What happened
On June 5, 2024, at approximately 10:58 JST, a privately owned Piper PA-28-151, registration JA3712, was performing a solo open-air flight training mission when it veered off the runway at Yoron Airport in Kagoshima Prefecture. The flight, part of the student pilot's requirements for a private pilot's landing certification, originated from Okinoerabu Airport.
During the final approach to runway 14, the student pilot encountered a shift in wind conditions. While the student had anticipated a steady wind from the left, the actual wind at touchdown had shifted to 130 degrees at 9 knots. The aircraft touched down to the left of the runway centerline. In an attempt to recenter the aircraft, the student applied right rudder, but the correction was too aggressive. This prompted an immediate counter-correction with left rudder. During this sequence, the student also inadvertently applied the left brake. The resulting sudden left turn caused the aircraft to exit the runway, traverse the grass, and strike the airport's perimeter fence. The collision damaged the leading edges of both wings and caused the propeller to become entangled in barbed wire, which ultimately stopped the engine.
The investigation
The JTSB investigation focused on the aircraft's movement during the landing roll and the pilot's control inputs. Investigators examined tire marks on the runway and grass, as well as the physical damage to the aircraft and the perimeter fence. The investigation also reviewed the student's training history and the meteorological data recorded at the time of the incident. The analysis of the tire marks revealed uneven wear on the left main landing gear tire, suggesting the left brake had been applied while the aircraft was still at a high speed.
Findings
- The aircraft touched down left of the centerline because the student failed to respond to a sudden change in wind direction and a decreased crosswind component.
- The student's attempt to correct the aircraft's heading resulted in an overcorrection due to excessive rudder input relative to the aircraft's speed.
- The primary cause of the excursion was the simultaneous application of the left brake and left rudder, which induced a sharp leftward veer.
- The student's foot position during rudder application led to the accidental engagement of the left brake pedal.