What happened
On 22 August 2001, a Cessna 172S, registration G-UFCD, was conducting a private circuit training flight at Newtownards Airport in Co Down. The pilot departed at 1110 hrs, utilizing runway 2 and operating under a forecast wind of 150° at 12 kt.
During the landing phase, the pilot configured the aircraft with landing flaps and maintained a steady airspeed of 70 kt. Upon touching down, the aircraft experienced a sudden lift of the left wing, which caused the plane to veer toward the left. The aircraft subsequently left the paved surface and came to a stop on the grass area at the edge of the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the right wingtip.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of directional control during the landing roll. While the initial forecast indicated a steady wind, the investigation established that the surface wind conditions were more unstable than predicted. Specifically, the Duty Instructor reported that the wind at the airfield had been fluctuating between 160° and 230°, with speeds ranging from 5 to 10 kt.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a left-wing lift and subsequent leftward turn immediately after touchdown.
- Unstable wind conditions involving significant directional shifts (between 160° and 230°) contributed to the aircraft's behavior during the landing roll.