What happened
On July 12, 2015, at approximately 19:09 local time, an MCR4S aircraft, registered F-PFRG, was performing a private VFR landing on runway 25 at Grenchen Airport (LSZG). During the landing roll on the asphalt surface, the aircraft encountered gusty wind conditions that caused it to drift toward the left side of the runway. As the aircraft moved off the paved surface, it struck a runway edge light. The impact resulted in damage to the aircraft's left landing gear before the plane eventually came to a stop in the adjacent grassy area.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the landing phase and the environmental conditions present at the time of the incident. Investigators examined the impact with the runway lighting and the subsequent damage to the left wheel. The inquiry established that the aircraft's deviation from the runway centerline was directly related to the prevailing wind state during the touchdown and rollout.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the presence of gusty winds during the landing phase.
- The aircraft drifted leftward across the runway boundary.
- The collision with a runway edge light caused structural damage to the left landing gear.
- There were no injuries to the pilot, though one passenger was present on board and sustained minor injuries.