What happened
On 1 February 2018, a Cirrus SR20, registration 9M-ZWR, was performing a landing at Tioman Airport in Pahang, Malaysia. The flight, which originated from Senai Airport, carried four occupants. During the final approach, the aircraft encountered a sudden, high westerly crosswind. This wind caused the aircraft to bank and float above the runway surface.
As the pilot attempted to correct the aircraft's position, the plane bounced and drifted significantly. While the pilot managed to touch down on a second attempt, the aircraft landed far to the right of the centerline, near the edge of the runway. The aircraft subsequently veered off the paved surface, crossed the grass, and struck the airport perimeter fence before coming to a stop against a drain. There were no injuries to the four people on board, though the aircraft suffered substantial structural damage, including a collapsed nose wheel and propeller strike.
The investigation
The AAIB Malaysia investigation focused on the environmental conditions and the pilot's approach. Investigators noted that the accident occurred during the Northeast Monsoon season, a period characterized by unpredictable winds and heavy rain. The investigation also examined the placement of the airport's wind sensors, which are located on the control tower rather than at the touchdown zone, potentially providing less accurate local wind data for arriving aircraft.
Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the pilot's experience and compliance with local procedures. It was noted that the pilot was operating at Tioman for the first time without being checked by a qualified instructor, contrary to recommendations in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). Additionally, the pilot's certificate of test had been lapsed since 2010.
Findings
- The primary cause was the pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft during the landing phase due to an unexpected change in wind direction.
- The aircraft's captain was flying at Tioman without prior experience at the airstrip and had not undergone a check flight with an instructor as recommended.
- The wind sensors for the Visala system were positioned in a location that did not provide the most accurate wind readings for the touchdown zone.
- The pilot's certificate of test had not been updated for approximately eight years.
Safety action
- The operator is advised to ensure pilots follow AIP recommendations regarding instructor checks for first-time operations at Tioman.
- It is recommended that CAAM review the placement of wind sensors to ensure more accurate readings at the touchdown zone.
- Recommendations were made for CAAM to consider issuing seasonal NOTAMs during the monsoon to warn aviators of unpredictable weather conditions.