What happened
On the morning of 4 June 2017, a privately owned Piper PA-2-161, registered as 9M-DRC, departed from a flying club at Senai International Airport for a general handling training flight. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and two passengers toward a training zone located west of Gunung Pulai.
Approximately six minutes after takeoff, the pilot detected a progressive reduction in engine power. Realizing the aircraft lacked the performance to return to Senai International Airport, the pilot issued a MAYDAY call and prepared for an immediate landing in an available open space. The pilot selected a newly constructed, unopened highway flyover near Pulai Jaya, Johor, as the landing site.
During the final approach, the aircraft's left wingtip struck a lamp post. This impact caused the plane to spin twice before coming to a halt at the edge of the flyover. While the impact caused the landing gear to collapse and heavily damaged the wing, the cabin remained intact. All three occupants escaped the wreckage without any injuries.
The investigation
Investigators from AAIB Malaysia examined the wreckage and the engine components to determine the source of the power loss. The inspection of the engine revealed no evidence of blockages or leaks within the air intakes or the fuel system. Furthermore, laboratory analysis of both fuel and oil samples showed no signs of contamination. The investigation noted that the propeller blades were bent backward, confirming that the engine was not producing power at the moment of impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the emergency landing was a gradual loss of engine power.
- The specific mechanical reason for the power degradation could not be definitively determined.
- The aircraft sustained significant damage, including a destroyed wingtip and collapsed landing gear, resulting in the aircraft being written off.
- The integrity of the cabin was a critical factor in ensuring the safety of the crew and passengers.