What happened
On February 23, 2019, a Maule MX-7-235, registration HB-KCE, was operating a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at Bad Ragaz (LSZE). The pilot had previously flown from St. Gallen-Alpland (LSZR) to Bad Ragaz to perform glider towing operations. After successfully completing three towing cycles, the pilot initiated a fourth tow, releasing the glider at approximately 1,200 meters.
During the subsequent approach to runway 30, the pilot configured the flaps to the second position. The pilot estimated a wind component of approximately 10 to 12 knots from the front left. The landing was performed on all three wheels with the elevator held back. Immediately after touchdown, the aircraft began to roll to the right and yaw to the left. Despite control inputs via the ailerons and rudder, the pilot was unable to stabilize the aircraft. The HB-KCE veered off the left side of the runway approximately 160 meters past the threshold, eventually coming to rest in a field south of the runway after rotating 120 degrees. There were no injuries to the pilot, but the aircraft sustained light damage to the right wingtip and aileron.
The investigation
The SUST investigation was delayed by two days because the incident was not reported immediately to the board as required by regulation; instead, the notification was received via the REGA emergency center. Because of this delay, investigators were unable to conduct immediate on-site inspections. The investigation focused on the flight sequence, meteorological conditions, and the mechanical state of the aircraft.
Findings
- The aircraft was in technically sound condition at the time of the incident.
- The primary cause of the incident was a loss of control due to operational factors during the landing phase.
- Meteorological conditions at the time included sunny weather with moderate winds from the west at 6 knots, with gusts reaching 16 knots.