What happened
On 25 October 2011, a Cessna 172R operated by Singapore Flying College veered off the paved surface of Runway 21 at Seletar Airport. The incident occurred during a touch-and-go landing procedure. Immediately after touchdown, the aircraft began drifting toward the left edge of the runway.
The student pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying right rudder; however, the aircraft continued its leftward path, crossing a helicopter landing lane and moving onto the grass verge. The aircraft eventually came to a stop approximately 100 meters from the runway edge, near a drain. The pilot, who was performing a solo training sortie, sustained no injuries, and the aircraft suffered no damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, weather conditions, and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The student had undergone a dual sortie earlier that day to maintain training requirements following weather-related cancellations. At the time of the landing, the wind was recorded at five knots from 120 degrees, which was well within the aircraft's demonstrated crosswind limits.
Investigators analyzed the physical mechanics of the rudder pedals, noting that steering requires the pilot to keep their heels on the floor while using the balls of their feet. The investigation also reviewed the student's training records and medical status, finding no evidence of fatigue or medical impairment.