Summary
On 10 May 2016 at 16:55 local time, a Cessna 172R (registration HB-TEB) undergoing a private flight under visual flight rules experienced a runway excursion during landing at Ecuvillens aerodrome (LSGE). The aircraft, operated by Air-Fribourg Services SA and owned by Aviation Team SA, sustained light damage to the left wheel fairing. A runway edge light was destroyed. The pilot, the sole occupant, was slightly injured.
Flight Details
The pilot, a Swiss citizen born in 1943, held a private pilot licence (PPL(A)) issued by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation in accordance with EASA standards. He had accumulated 237 total flight hours, including 221 hours on the Cessna 172 type. In the 90 days preceding the accident, he logged 3 hours and 36 minutes, all on the type. The flight departed from and was destined for Ecuvillens aerodrome. Weather conditions included a light westerly wind with gusts of 13 km/h.
Accident Narrative
During approach to runway 27, the aircraft was correctly aligned on the runway axis at an indicated speed of approximately 63 to 65 knots. As soon as the nose wheel contacted the runway, the aircraft veered to the right at an angle of about 20 to 25 degrees, despite the flight controls being held. The aircraft briefly left the runway, destroying a runway edge light in the process, before returning to the runway.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained light damage, specifically to the left wheel fairing. The runway edge light was destroyed. The pilot, the only person on board, suffered minor injuries. No other persons were injured.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was determined by the investigation.