What happened
On 18 September 2008, a Cessna 152, registration G-OFRY, was engaged in a training flight at Dunkeswell Airfield, Devon. Following two successful circuits and landings accompanied by an instructor, the student pilot proceeded to perform solo circuits and landings.
The first takeoff and subsequent circuit were completed without incident. However, during the following landing on Runway 05, a light crosswind from the right caused the aircraft to land to the left of the runway centerline. As the aircraft accelerated along the runway, the pilot applied full power. During this ground roll, the aircraft began to veer toward the left, eventually departing the paved surface. The aircraft crossed the disused Runway 17/35 before coming to a stop. There were no injuries to the pilot, and the aircraft sustained damage to the tailplane.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical condition following the incident. The inspection of the wheel braking and control systems revealed no mechanical defects that could have contributed to the loss of directional control.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the student pilot's inadequate use of right rudder to compensate for the effects of the propeller slipstream and the light right-hand crosswind.