What happened
On May 10, 2016, a Cessna 172R, registration HB-TEB, was performing a landing at Ecuvillens Aerodrome (LSGE) under visual flight rules. The aircraft was operating on a private flight, departing from and returning to the same airfield. During the approach to runway 27, the aircraft maintained a speed of approximately 63 to 65 knots and remained properly aligned with the runway centerline.
As the nose wheel made contact with the runway surface, the aircraft suddenly deviated to the right at an angle of roughly 20 to 25 degrees. Despite the pilot maintaining control inputs, the aircraft exited the paved surface, striking and destroying a runway edge light before returning to the runway.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight conditions and the mechanical state of the aircraft at the time of the excursion. Investigators noted that the aircraft sustained light damage to the left wheel fairing. There was also damage to airport infrastructure, specifically a destroyed runway lighting beacon. The investigation also reviewed the weather conditions, noting a light westerly wind with gusts reaching 13 km/h.
Findings
- The aircraft was properly established on the runway centerline during the final approach.
- The deviation occurred immediately upon the nose wheel touchdown.
- The primary factor in the excursion was the sudden rightward deviation of the aircraft following touchdown, which occurred despite the pilot's attempts to maintain directional control.