What happened
On May 4, 2014, at approximately 11:00 local time, a Cessna 172, registration HB-CGU, was performing a landing on runway 07 at Grenchen Airport (LSZG). During the aircraft's second landing attempt on the runway, it was struck by a sudden wind gust. This atmospheric disturbance caused the aircraft to lift off the ground again unexpectedly. Following this unplanned ascent, the aircraft struck the hard surface of the runway with significant force and subsequently veered off the runway to the right, coming to rest in a grassy area.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted as a summary report based on available statements, focused on the sequence of events during the landing phase. Investigators examined the flight conditions and the aircraft's behavior upon encountering the wind gust. The assessment confirmed that the aircraft sustained damage to its nose gear and propeller as a result of the heavy impact with the runway surface.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the impact of a wind gust during the landing flare/touchdown phase.
- The aircraft experienced a loss of control following the gust, leading to a secondary lift-off and subsequent hard landing.
- The aircraft exited the paved runway surface onto the adjacent grass.