What happened
On May 7, 2016, a Cessna T182T, registered as N6296R, was performing a private flight under visual flight rules (VFR) from Lausanne-La Blécherette to Sion Regional Airport. During the landing phase at LSGS, the aircraft made contact with the runway surface and immediately began a leftward veer.
Observing the aircraft's speed and noting that the grassy area to the left of the runway was free of obstacles, the pilot decided to steer the plane into the grass rather than applying the brakes on the runway. This maneuver resulted in the aircraft exiting the paved surface.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the excursion from the runway. The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making during the landing roll and the physical actions within the cockpit. The inquiry established that while the aircraft did not sustain any structural damage, the incident resulted in one minor injury to a passenger.
Findings
Technical analysis of the event suggests that the sudden change in direction was likely influenced by cockpit interference. The pilot noted a possibility that the passenger may have inadvertently contacted the rudder pedals, contributing to the uncontrolled turn during the landing roll.