History of the Flight
On 20 November 2015, a privately owned Piper PA-28-181, registration N9297N, was operated by the pilot for a general handling flight from Senai International Airport, Johor, Malaysia. The aircraft was managed and maintained by the FRAS Flying Club. The pilot, who held a Private Pilot License (PPL), took off at approximately 1225 LT for local training. The flight plan included operations in the training area west of the airport, followed by circuit and landing practice for left-hand circuits of Runway 16.
At about 1303 LT, the pilot was instructed by Senai International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower to hold at 1,000 ft west of the runway to allow two scheduled commercial aircraft to arrive. While holding, at 1304 LT, the pilot reported an engine failure and declared a Mayday. The pilot requested clearance to proceed to the final approach for Runway 16 to execute an emergency landing. The tower cleared the pilot and redirected the commercial aircraft to hold.
Two minutes later, the pilot informed the tower that he could not reach Runway 16 and would perform a forced landing on the Senai International Airport Golf Course. The pilot successfully forced landed the aircraft on the golf course, but just before coming to a complete stop, the aircraft collided with a tree located near a green. The impact caused severe damage, resulting in a total loss of the aircraft. The pilot reported being safe with minor injury.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot sustained minor injuries. Passengers and others were not involved.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft, N9297N, was severely damaged during the forced landing and subsequent collision with a tree. The damage was classified as a total loss.
Other Damage
No other property damage was reported.
Pilot Information
The pilot was a 28-year-old male holding a valid Private Pilot License (Aeroplanes) with an expiry date of 31 July 2016. His medical certificate was also valid until the same date. The pilot reported being well-rested and having sufficient sleep before the flight.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a 1994 Piper PA-28-181, serial number 2843106, registration N9297N. It was equipped with a Lycoming O-360-AM engine, serial number L-35333-36A. The aircraft was operated under general handling and was not equipped with a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder.
Meteorological Information
The weather at the time of the incident was reported as good, with good visibility.
Communication
The pilot maintained two-way communication with Senai International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower throughout the flight.
Aerodrome Information
Senai International Airport was operational with all facilities available, including air traffic control and fire and rescue services.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The forced landing occurred on the Senai International Airport Golf Course. The aircraft touched down successfully but struck a tree just before stopping. The collision caused severe damage, leading to a write-off.
Medical and Pathological Information
The pilot did not undergo a medical examination after the incident.
Fire
There was no fire.
Survival Aspects
Not applicable.
Tests and Research
None were conducted.
Organizational and Management Information
Not applicable.
Additional Information
None.
Useful or Effective Investigation Techniques
None.