What happened
On 4 September 2010, a Cessna 182N aircraft, registration G-AXZU, was performing aerial work as a jump pilot for a local skydiving club. The aircraft was conducting its fourth flight of the day, following three successful landings under similar wind conditions. During the approach to Runway 05, which featured a loose asphalt surface, the pilot encountered an 8 kt direct crosswind from the right.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft initially landed normally. However, shortly after contact with the runway, the aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the strip. The pilot attempted to correct the drift by applying right rudder and into-wind aileron, but the movement could not be arrested. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway, striking a wire fence, a bush, and a vertical metal pole. The impact caused serious damage to the leading edge of the left wing and a slight dent to the right wing strut. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft unassisted, and there were no injuries.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation focused on the aircraft's directional control and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation examined the rudder system, the nosewheel steering, the braking system, and the condition of the tyres. An insurance loss adjuster also inspected the aircraft and found no mechanical faults with the steering or braking mechanisms. The pilot noted that the technique used during the incident was identical to the previous three landings performed that day, and he did not observe any sudden wind gusts or changes in the windsock direction.