History of the Flight
On 27 June 2011 at approximately 11:50 a.m., a Cessna 172R aircraft, registration 9V-FCI, operated by Singapore Flying College, momentarily veered off the left edge of Runway 21 at Seletar Airport after landing. The aircraft went onto the grass patch, struck the Echo Taxiway signboard, and then returned to and stopped on the runway.
Prior to the incident flight, the student pilot performed a dual flight sortie with an instructor practising touch-and-go landings. After that sortie, the instructor disembarked, and the pilot proceeded with a solo sortie. After one touch-and-go landing, the pilot informed air traffic control (ATC) that he would be landing and vacating the runway. During the approach to Runway 21, ATC advised that the wind was 7 knots from 120°, a direct left crosswind. The pilot acknowledged. After touchdown, the aircraft rolled down the centreline and then suddenly veered left. The pilot applied 20–30% of full right rudder, then 40–50%, and finally full right rudder as the aircraft entered the grass, but the aircraft continued left until it struck the signboard before returning to the runway.
Injuries to Persons
The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.
Damage to Aircraft
The left horizontal stabiliser and the right aft fuselage were damaged. The Echo Taxiway signboard was dislodged.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 172R with one Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine. It had a valid certificate of airworthiness. The maximum demonstrated crosswind component was 15 knots.
Meteorological Information
The meteorological forecast issued at 12 noon indicated wind from 180° at 7 knots, gusting up to 10 knots, for the period 12 noon to 1 p.m.
Tests and Research
- Brake system: Serviced on 20 June 2011; no abnormality was observed during dual/solo flights or post-occurrence tests. No evidence of wheel locking.
- Rudder system: Operated normally during flights and post-occurrence tests.
- Nose wheel steering: No abnormality observed.
- Crosswind landing technique: The pilot was able to describe the correct technique but stated he might have inadvertently reduced aileron and rudder input during the ground roll. The flying college provided no practical training or simulation for recovery from veering after landing.
Discussion
The aircraft landed in a crosswind condition. The pilot recalled reducing control inputs during the ground roll, which could have caused the veer. The weathercock effect might have compounded the veer toward the wind (left). The pilot initially applied insufficient rudder input to correct the veer.