Introduction
On 7 May 2016, a Cessna T182T aircraft, registration N6296R, experienced a runway excursion during landing at Sion Regional Airport (LSGS). The flight originated from Lausanne-La Blécherette (LSGL) and was operated under visual flight rules (VFR) for private purposes.
Flight Details
The pilot, a Swiss citizen born in 1956, held a private pilot license (PPL(A)) issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) via the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation. He had a total flight time of 725 hours, with 460 hours on the Cessna T182T type. In the 90 days preceding the incident, he had logged 11 hours and 23 minutes. The aircraft was owned and operated by Aerospace Trust Management LLC, based in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.
Accident Sequence
After touchdown during landing, the aircraft began to veer left. Given the speed and the presence of a grassy area to the left of the runway without obstacles, the pilot preferred to traverse that area rather than lock the wheels on the runway. The pilot speculated that the passenger may have inadvertently contacted the rudder pedals.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger was uninjured. The aircraft was not damaged. No other damage was reported.
Investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) conducted a summary investigation under Article 46 of the Swiss Ordinance on Transport Safety Investigations. The report noted the pilot's speculation regarding the passenger's possible contact with the rudder pedals, but no probable cause was formally established.