What happened
On July 2, 2022, a Cessna 172S, registration SE-MLF, was performing the first leg of a planned multi-sector flight to Denmark. The flight, involving three pilots from the Landskrona Flying Club, was diverted to Falkenberg/Morup Airport due to unfavorable weather forecasts at the original destination. During the initial engine start, the pilot encountered difficulties, which created early tension and a sense of pressure to proceed with the flight as planned.
During the approach to runway 27, the aircraft encountered turbulent conditions and a significant crosswind. An initial landing attempt was aborted via a go-around because the aircraft was too high above the runway threshold. On the second attempt, the pilot performed a flare at an excessively high altitude. During this phase, the passengers—who were also pilots—called out to the pilot to lower the nose. This interaction created a sudden distraction and a surprise effect for the pilot.
As the aircraft touched down, it experienced a hard landing and a sudden loss of airspeed. An unintentional application of power, combined with a left-hand crosswind component of 11 knots, caused the aircraft to veer left off the runway. The Cessna 172S subsequently collided with several trees and a small stone wall, resulting in significant structural damage to the aircraft. There were no injuries to the three occupants.
The investigation
The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) examined the flight data, aircraft components, and interviewed the pilot, passengers, and a ground witness. The investigation focused on the pilot's recent flying experience, the meteorological conditions, and the sequence of events during the landing phase. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's flight path, noting that while the aircraft was stabilized on final approach, the subsequent landing maneuvers and the sudden verbal interventions from the passengers significantly impacted the pilot's workload.
Findings
- The pilot had limited recent flying experience, having flown only five hours in the preceding 12 months.
- The landing was complicated by turbulent air and a relatively high crosswind.
- The pilot's decision-making was negatively impacted by the combination of accumulated stress from the initial engine start and the surprise effect caused by passenger interventions during the flare.
- An unintentional application of power during the landing phase contributed to the aircraft veering off the runway.
- The use of safety belts and the low speed at the time of impact prevented injuries to the crew and passengers.