What happened
On March 21, 2005, a Cessna 172R, registration PH-BVE, was completing an overland flight from Texel to Budel Airfield. During the approach to runway 03, the pilot noted that the aircraft was not aligned with the runway centerline due to wind conditions. After communicating with Budel Radio, the pilot opted for a go-around. The air traffic controller informed the pilot that runway 21 was also available for use, prompting the pilot to attempt a landing on that runway.
The pilot performed the landing on the left side of the runway. During the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft drifted toward the left, causing the left main landing gear to leave the paved surface and enter soft, freshly seeded ground. As the aircraft decelerated, it suddenly veered sharply to the right, causing the propeller and the right wing to strike the ground. The aircraft eventually came to a stop, and the two occupants were able to exit the Cessna 172R without injury, though the aircraft sustained serious damage.
The investigation
The investigation, based on data provided by involved parties, focused on the environmental conditions and the aircraft's handling during the landing roll. Investigators examined the wind conditions at the time of the incident, noting a wind speed of 14 knots from 120 degrees. They also evaluated the aircraft's operational limits regarding crosswind components and the pilot's positioning on the runway.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating very close to its demonstrated crosswind limit of 15 knots, as the 14-knot crosswind component was nearly at the maximum threshold.
- The pilot likely failed to provide sufficient or timely rudder corrections to counteract the weathercock effect, where the vertical stabilizer causes the nose to turn into the wind.
- The landing position on the left side of the runway reduced the available maneuvering space on the left side of the aircraft, contributing to the excursion into the soft ground.