What happened
On 11 August 2013, a DA40 aircraft, operated by the Singapore Youth Flying Club, experienced a runway excursion at Seletar Airport. During a solo training flight, the student pilot was performing a series of touch-and-go maneuvers using a flapless approach technique. While positioned at the downwind leg, the pilot received a query from Air Traffic Control (ATC) regarding landing intentions. Interpreting this query as an instruction to land, the pilot abandoned the planned touch-and-go maneuver and proceeded to land on Runway 21.
Upon touchdown, the pilot attempted to vacate the runway via Taxiway E3. However, the aircraft veered off the left edge of the paved surface and struck a taxiway signboard. The pilot was able to regain control and steer the aircraft back onto the runway surface before coming to a stop. There were no injuries to the pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight sequence and the student's training progress. Prior to the incident, the student had completed a dual flight with an instructor to practice the flapless approach. The investigation confirmed that the student was aware of the school's operational guidelines, which mandate that if an aircraft is traveling too fast, a turn-off should not be attempted.
Technical inspections of the 9V-YFM revealed damage to the left wingtip assembly and the leading edge, including a crack approximately 35.5 cm long. The impact with the E3 signboard also dislodged a static discharger and twisted a tie-down hook.
Findings
- The pilot changed the planned flight profile from a touch-and-go to a landing based on a misinterpreted ATC query.
- The pilot failed to extend the flaps to a normal configuration despite having sufficient time to do so.
- The pilot misjudged the aircraft's deceleration speed, leading to an unsuccessful attempt to vacate the runway via Taxiway E3.
Safety action
Following the incident, the flying school implemented several safety measures, including:
- Re-emphasizing the "After Landing Turn-Off / Vacating Runway-In-Use" guidelines to all students.
- Implementing monthly testing to ensure both instructors and students remain proficient in following the school's operational manual procedures.