What happened
On July 12, 2018, a pilot was conducting a training flight at Hausen am Albis (LSZN) in a Piper PA-28-181, registration HB-POX. The flight was part of a series of training sessions intended to maintain the pilot's class rating for single-engine piston aircraft. Following a successful session with an instructor earlier in the year, the pilot proceeded to perform solo circuit patterns.
At approximately 09:54 local time, the pilot departed from runway 27, completing three touch-and-go maneuvers. During the fourth circuit, the pilot attempted a full landing. While the touchdown was initially reported as normal, the aircraft veered off the right edge of the runway during the landing roll. The aircraft performed a nearly 180-degree right-hand turn before coming to a stop after striking a fence. The impact caused significant damage to the left wing and the propeller, and a light injury to the perimeter fence.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, weather conditions, and the pilot's recent flight experience. Meteorological data indicated clear skies and a light northwest wind of approximately 5 knots at the time of the incident. Investigators found no evidence of pre-existing technical defects in the HB-28-181 that could have contributed to the excursion.
Findings
- The primary cause of the loss of control was identified as an operational error during the landing phase.
- The pilot's recent flight experience was limited, having flown only two hours in the 90 days preceding the accident, which may have contributed to the difficulty in maintaining directional control during the rollout.