What happened
On March 15, 2025, a Cessna 172S, registration SE-MIA, was performing a private flight from Västerås-Johannisberg Airport to Skövde Airport. During the approach to runway 19, the pilot encountered significant turbulence. The landing attempt resulted in a hard touchdown and a subsequent bounce. As the aircraft drifted left, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure.
During the application of power at a low airspeed and high pitch angle, the aircraft experienced an uncontrolled yaw to the and a steep left bank. This caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and onto the runway strip. While traveling east across the strip with full power applied, the aircraft crossed a ditch, which caused the nose landing gear to detach. The aircraft then struck a group of young birch trees, causing substantial damage to the airframe. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board.
The investigation
The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) examined the aircraft, the site, and flight data. A reference flight was also conducted using an identical model to study the aircraft's handling characteristics. The investigation focused on the pilot's control inputs, the prevailing wind conditions, and the aerodynamic effects of the propeller during the go-around. The investigation confirmed the aircraft was airworthy and that no mechanical failures contributed to the event.
Findings
- The prevailing wind conditions, characterized by gusts up to 27 knots, created a challenging landing environment that was difficult for the pilot to manage given their relatively limited flight experience.
- During the go-around, the pilot's rudder inputs were insufficient to counteract the left-turning tendencies (such as P-factor) produced by the propeller at a high pitch angle and low speed.
- The combination of the crosswind and the uncompensated yaw led to the aircraft leaving the runway.
- Increased stress and the startle effect during the sudden yaw likely impaired the pilot's ability to act rationally, leading to the continuation of the go-around even after the aircraft had already departed the runway surface.