Synopsis
On 30 July 2025, a Piper PA-28-181 Archer III, registration HS-AMY, operated by Phuket Flying Club, experienced a runway excursion during landing at Pangkor Island Airport, Malaysia. The aircraft veered right of the runway centreline, struck a small tree with its right wing, and continued on the grass for approximately 300 metres before re-entering the runway and taxiing to the apron. There were no injuries to the pilot or occupants.
History of the Flight
The flight originated from Narathiwat Airport (VTSC), Thailand, at 0400 UTC, with an intermediate stop at Ipoh Airport (WMKI). Both the accident aircraft and a SportCruiser (HS-JAI) departed WMKI at approximately 0710 UTC for Pangkor Island. After an orbit to identify the aerodrome, HS-JAI landed uneventfully at 0845 UTC. Five minutes later, HS-AMY commenced landing on Runway 22. During the landing roll, the aircraft deviated to the right of the centreline. Tyre marks indicated initial touchdown on the nose and right main landing gear, with the left main gear off the runway. After all gears were on the ground, the aircraft veered further right, entered the grassed area, and struck a small tree three times, causing structural damage to the right wing leading edge. The aircraft continued on the grass for about 300 metres before regaining the runway and taxiing via Taxiway Alpha.
Injuries to Persons
No injuries were sustained by the pilot or the sole occupant. The injury table in the report lists zero fatalities, serious injuries, or minor injuries.
Damage to Aircraft
A visual inspection revealed no damage to the fuselage or major components. However, the right wing sustained significant damage, including cracks and puncture damage on the leading edge. Preliminary assessment indicated that the right wing assembly exceeded permissible structural damage limits due to multiple impacts with a small tree.
Personnel Information
The pilot, an 84-year-old Italian male, held a valid Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) with a Single-Engine Piston Land rating. His total flying hours since 19 March 2003 were 540 hours and 40 minutes, all on type. He held a valid medical certificate and was adequately rested before the flight.
Aircraft Information
The Piper PA-28-181 Archer III (serial number 2843437) was built in 2001 and was owned by Phuket Flying Club. Its Certificate of Airworthiness was valid until 3 June 2027, and its Certificate of Registration was still valid. The aircraft was equipped with a 180-horsepower Lycoming O-360-A4M engine and fixed landing gear. Maintenance records indicated compliance with regulations.
Meteorological Information
The weather at the time was hot, humid, and consistent with afternoon convective conditions typical of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia in July. Further details are pending in the final report.
Aids to Navigation
All aircraft navigation aids were serviceable. However, the windsock at Pangkor Island Airport had been unserviceable since 5 May 2025.
Communications
Continuous two-way communication was maintained between the aircraft and ATC frequencies, operating normally.
Aerodrome Information
Pangkor Island Airport (WMPA) has a single runway, 04/22, measuring approximately 732 metres in length at an elevation of about 30 metres. Its coordinates are N4°14.68' / E100°33.20'.
Flight Recorders
The aircraft was not equipped with any flight data recorders.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The aircraft veered off Runway 22, with the nose tyre mark observed on the grass approximately 16.5 metres to the right of the runway centreline. The right wing struck a tree near the runway edge, and tyre marks were visible along the grass for about 300 metres.