A light aircraft flight crew reported the pilot flying temporarily lost control of the aircraft during landing.
Synopsis
A light aircraft flight crew reported the pilot flying temporarily lost control of the aircraft during landing.
Narrative
On a flight from ZZZ1 to ZZZ; another pilot and I were flying to return to our home airport. We briefed that the pilot in the left seat would be the pilot to takeoff; and I the pilot in the right seat would be taking the landing. I acted as PIC (pilot flying) on the flight and took control when the pilot in the left seat went under the hood; during cruise; descent; and landing. I was sitting in the right seat; and it was my first time doing so. Upon approaching the landing; I landed with the left main gear first; and when I touched down with the right main gear; I veered the aircraft to the right and reached for the throttle on the right side while sitting in the right seat. For less than three seconds after the plane was on the ground and veering to the right; I briefly took my left hand off the throttle and placed it on the yoke; while placing my right hand on where the throttle would be if I had sat in the left seat. Neither the pilot in the left seat nor I suffered from any injury; and the aircraft was not damaged.I believe my decision-making was the primary cause of this problem. I had also never flown in the right seat and acted as PIC. In the future; I will take keen awareness of my fitness for a flight. This happened because of my poor choices; and corrective action to ensure this never happens again will be taken. In the future; I will not fly a plane without a briefing on the ground about preflight actions; designating PIC to all crew and passengers (if applicable); and how the flight will be flown. I will not fly in the right seat without an experienced pilot there to assist me if something goes wrong. There is no acceptance for the lack of checking if the left seat pilot had his documents to act as PIC. Upon arrival during the landing portion of the flight; when the airplane had touched down and was veering right; maintaining positive aircraft control and center line is a priority. My left hand let go of the throttle control and grabbed the control yoke; and with my right hand; I left the control yoke and grasped for what should be the throttle out of muscle memory. To prevent it from happening in the future; the role of PIC will not be taken lightly; and all operations will be done in the left seat until proper training has been received and logged. Achieving and briefing a full weather briefing for the flight returning to ZZZ will be performed in the future. This is because the flight was not in the vicinity of the home airport. Items such as thorough pre-flight preparation and/or planning; which occur on the ground before flying; including a weather briefing/flight plan; should be received and briefed on how it is flown should be rehearsed before the flight. Flying by the appropriate numbers as specified by the Pilot's Operating Handbook to obtain and/or maintain flying speed must occur during the landing with consideration of a go-around. A failure to maintain directional control resulted in a loss of positive directional control upon touchdown. This can be avoided by going around. Any improper in-flight decision or planning that occurs due to the poor judgment of the PIC should not occur; and a safety management system must be input to prevent a failure to determine the pilot's health and wellness to complete the particular flight. Landing in the left seat; where the PIC had never flown before. It is a major consideration to take before any flight to determine whether you; as a pilot; have proficiency in the plane to act as PIC and if that individual is comfortable with the risk associated with the flight.Also; an improper operation of the flight controls occurred upon the touchdown and ground roll; where the PIC let go of the controls.A proper understanding of the development of hazardous attitudes and immediate recognition and recovery must be discussed as part of the safety briefing. Another item was violated due to the PIC's inability to determine safety with an IMSAFE checklist. External factors played a role in this flight; and in the future; identifying these risks will be accomplished for all flights. TO AVOID IN THE FUTURE: Communication and Crew Resource Management. This means discussing all factors of the flight with the crew on board. Do not assume the flight will be without risk; there is always a risk associated with flight. In this specific occasion; the PIC must not sit in the right seat and assume the role as PIC without taking authority of the airplane and without having time flown to proficiently aviate in the right seat.
Second reporter narrative
I conducted a private cross-country flight in a Piper Cherokee 160; departing from ZZZ1 ) and returning to ZZZ. As a private pilot certificate holder; I occupied the left seat and utilized foggles during the cruise segment. A commercial pilot; serving as my designated safety pilot; occupied the right seat; his first experience in that position.Prior to departure; I reviewed weather conditions using NOTAMs; METARs etc via ForeFlight. However; we did not conduct a joint pre flight briefing to discuss the flight plan; route; or delineate specific roles and responsibilities. It was assumed that I would handle takeoff and cruise; with control transferring to the safety pilot for landing.During the landing phase at ZZZ; the safety pilot experienced a loss of directional control; likely due to unfamiliarity with operating from the right seat. Fortunately; we regained control without any damage or injury.This incident underscores the importance of comprehensive pre-flight briefings and clear communication. The lack of a detailed briefing and the safety pilot's inexperience in the right seat contributed to the control issue during landing. According to the FAA's Pilot's Guide to Pre-flight Briefing; thorough preparation and role clarification are essential for flight safety.To mitigate similar risks in future operations; we will conduct Comprehensive Pre-flight Briefings: Clearly define each pilot's roles and responsibilities; including who will handle takeoff; cruise; and landing phases.Assess Pilot Experience: Discuss and verify each pilot's familiarity with the aircraft and procedural positions to ensure safety and competence.Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where pilots feel comfortable discussing their experience levels and voicing concerns about unfamiliar situations or concerns over the combined experienced in the cockpit for that particular procedure. By implementing these measures; we can enhance safety and ensure more effective crew coordination in future flights. These adjustments aim to provide a structured and professional account; aligning with aviation safety standards and emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation and communication.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.