What happened
On the night of 01 August 2022, a Piper Warrior II PA28-161, registered 9M-BAA, departed Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh for a scheduled night flying currency check. The flight, operated by BATS Aviation Sdn Bhd, was being conducted by a flight instructor as part of a routine proficiency requirement.
Shortly after the aircraft departed from the intersection taxiway, the flight proceeded normally for approximately three minutes. However, at 2007 local time, the pilot transmitted two consecutive MAYDAY calls to the Ipoch Air Traffic Control. Following these distress calls, all communication from the aircraft ceased. The aircraft subsequently struck a lamp post on a road bridge, causing the right wing to break, before impacting a water diversion culvert beside Sungai Pinji. The impact resulted in one fatality and one serious injury among the crew.
The investigation
AAIB Malaysia investigators examined the wreckage and the flight sequence to determine the cause of the engine power loss. The investigation focused on the engine system, the pilot's actions during the critical takeoff phase, and the physical state of the aircraft upon impact.
Investigators analyzed the aircraft's position and performance, noting that the engine power loss occurred at an altitude of approximately 200 feet. The wreckage showed significant damage to the engine nacelle, the propeller, and the airframe, including a broken starboard wing and a distorted main frame. The investigation also reviewed the human factors involved, specifically looking at cockpit procedures and the pilot's management of the aircraft during the emergency.