What happened
On March 14, 2018, a Cessna 182 RG, registration HB-CFZ, was performing a private VFR flight from St. Gallen-Altenrhein to Sitterdorf. During the approach to Sitterdorf, the pilot observed a Pilatus Porter performing circuit patterns for runway 07. The crew of the Pilatus Porter notified the Cessna pilot that runway 07 was in use and that an easterly wind was present.
Despite this information, the pilot of the Cessna 182 RG proceeded with an approach to runway 25. The aircraft touched down approximately 240 meters past the runway threshold. During the subsequent braking phase, the aircraft failed to stop within the runway limits, overran the end of the pavement, and entered a freshly sown field. The nose gear subsequently sank into the ground, causing the aircraft to capsize and come to rest on its back approximately 20 meters beyond the runway end. The pilot sustained light injuries and was able to exit the wreckage independently.
The investigation
Investigators examined the runway information systems at the airfield. The automated runway direction indicator, which utilizes a sensor mounted on a hangar roof to determine wind direction, was not functioning in automatic mode due to ongoing maintenance. Consequently, the system was not automatically updating the runway configuration based on recent wind data.
An eyewitness, an experienced flight instructor, observed the approach from a nearby fuel station. The instructor noted that the automated indicator was displaying runway 25 during the aircraft's final approach, even though the wind was blowing from the east. The instructor attempted to manually correct the indicator to runway 07 during the event.
Findings
- The pilot failed to account for the active runway direction, the prevailing wind, or the presence of other traffic in the circuit.
- The pilot did not execute a go-around despite the conflicting information regarding the active runway and wind conditions.
- The pilot chose the incorrect runway for landing without considering the traffic flow or the operational status of the airfield.
Safety action
- The investigation noted that the pilot's actions could have endangered other aircraft operating in the circuit.