What happened
On the early morning of 30th November 2017, an Airbus A320-216, registration 9M-AHM, was conducting an aircraft base training flight at Subang Airport (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah) in Kuala Lumpur. The flight, operated by AirAsia Berhad, was performing touch-and-go exercises as part of a type rating endorsement for a trainee pilot. The crew consisted of three members: a pilot-in-command acting as the examiner, a trainee co-pilot, and a safety pilot.
During the third touch-and-go maneuver on Runway 15, the aircraft touched down and the pilot-in-HDmand applied take-off thrust. However, the pilot subsequently rejected the take-off. The aircraft was unable to decelerate sufficiently before reaching the end of the runway, causing it to exit the paved surface and enter an open, muddy field. The aircraft eventually came to a halt approximately 62 meters beyond the runway threshold. While the crew evacuated via the emergency slides, there were no injuries to the three crew members.
The investigation
AAIB Malaysia examined the wreckage, flight recorders, and crew statements to determine the sequence of events. The investigation focused on the aircraft's performance during the rejected take-off and the physical damage sustained during the excursion. Investigators analyzed the flight data and the aircraft's mechanical condition, including the engines and landing gear, following the impact with the unpaved terrain.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a long cut to the lower belly fairing and significant damage to the landing gear.
- Both engines showed evidence of ingesting mud and soil; specifically, one fan blade on engine 1 was found to be bent and cut.
- Several tires, including the nose and main wheels, burst during the incident.
- The pilot-in-command rejected the take-off after the application of take-off thrusts had already occurred.
- The excursion resulted in damage to airport infrastructure, including a lighting system unit and an approach light pole.