History of the Flight
On 4 May 2024, a trainee pilot (TP) from Layang Layang Flying Academy (LLFA) in Ipoh, Perak, conducted an authorized navigation exercise (NAVEX) in a Cessna 172N aircraft, registration 9M-ADA, with callsign LYG 1531. The TP was accompanied by an assistant flight instructor (AFI) who acted as a safety pilot. The flight followed LLFA's NAVEX Route 3A, departing from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (WMKI) at 0759 LT.
The initial segment of the route was uneventful, cruising at 4,000 ft. At approximately 0900 LT, near Sabak Bernam, the TP observed adverse weather with dark, cloudy skies, prompting a deviation northward toward waypoints Ulu Bernam and Sungkai. While approaching Ulu Bernam, cloud cover at 4,000 ft forced a descent to 2,500 ft. By 0924 LT, worsening weather with cloud at 2,500 ft led to a request to descend to 1,000 ft, which was approved by Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre (KLATCC).
During the descent, the safety pilot took control and attempted to level off at 1,000 ft. However, the aircraft inadvertently entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and struck trees, becoming uncontrollable and crashing. The last communication with KLATCC was at 0935 LT. At 0955 LT, LLFA received a call from the public reporting the crash near Slim River, Perak.
Injuries and Damage
Both the trainee pilot and the safety pilot survived the accident but sustained serious injuries. No other persons were injured. The aircraft sustained major damage due to striking trees and a hard impact with the ground, classified as beyond economical repair (BER). Approximately 10 to 15 trees were uprooted, and another 10 trees had broken branches and trunks.
Aircraft and Personnel Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 172N, registered in Malaysia as 9M-ADA, owned by Layang Layang Flying Academy Sdn. Bhd. and operated by LLFA in Ipoh. The trainee pilot was a 19-year-old female holding a Student Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) with 84.30 total flying hours, all on type. The safety pilot was a 26-year-old male holding a Commercial Pilot Licence with Instrument Rating.
Location and Site
The crash site was located in a reserve forest at Felda Gunung Besout, Slim River, Perak, under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department of Malaysia.