What happened
On June 19, 2019, a pilot performing solo practice circuits in a Piper PA-28-181, registration HB-PSG, experienced a runway excursion at Biel-Kappelen (LSZP). The pilot had intended to conduct three touch-and-go maneuvers to prepare for a subsequent flight with a passenger. While the first two circuits were completed without incident, the third approach resulted in the aircraft touching down approximately 100 meters past the runway threshold.
After rolling roughly 65 meters, the aircraft began drifting toward the right edge of the runway. Despite the pilot's attempts to use the left rudder pedal to correct the direction, the aircraft continued toward the runway boundary. The pilot then applied the wheel brakes in an attempt to stop the deviation. Ultimately, the aircraft overran the right side of the runway, traveling another 70 meters before coming to a halt in an adjacent cornfield. The aircraft remained powered on when it stopped. There were no injuries to the pilot, and no damage was sustained by the aircraft, though minor damage to the surrounding vegetation was noted.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's condition and the environmental factors present during the landing. A post-incident inspection of the airframe, engine, propeller, and landing gear revealed no mechanical defects or structural damage. The tires were found to be properly inflated, and subsequent engine ground runs showed no unusual vibrations. The pilot's blood alcohol level was confirmed to be zero.
Navigation software data showed an average approach speed of 62 knots ground speed for all approaches. The investigation also noted that during the second touch-and-go, the aircraft had previously drifted to the right near a farm road crossing the runway. Meteorological data indicated a light wind from the west at 4 knots, with gusts up to 10 knots, creating a crosswind component of approximately 60 degrees relative to the landing direction.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was loss of directional control on the ground due to operational factors.
- The aircraft was subject to a weathervaning effect, where the wind pushed the nose toward the wind direction, a common phenomenon in crosswind landings.
- It is believed the pilot may have been caught off guard by the sudden increase in directional instability when the aircraft moved out of the wind shadow provided by nearby hangar buildings.
- The pilot's decision not to attempt a go-around once the runway edge was reached was considered appropriate, as the remaining runway length was insufficient for a safe climb-out.