History of the Flight
On 11 August 2014, at 0845 UTC, Fujairah Aviation Academy flight FUJ012, a Cessna 172S (registration A6-FAA), was performing a training flight. The instructor directed the student to conduct a short field takeoff from runway 11, which was completed uneventfully. After climbing to about 300 feet above ground level, the instructor simulated an engine failure. The student lowered the nose and applied 30° flaps. On final approach, the student performed a go-around. During a second climb at approximately 300 feet, the instructor simulated another engine failure. The student aligned with the runway until the flare, at which point the instructor, sensing a high rate of descent, took control and initiated a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft touched down on its right main landing gear and bounced, causing the right main landing gear to separate.
The instructor continued climbing, declared a Mayday, and prepared for an emergency landing. After two landing attempts and subsequent go-arounds, the aircraft touched down on the left main landing gear and executed a fifth go-around. On the final landing attempt, the instructor commanded a left wheel touchdown followed by nose landing gear contact. The student shut down the engine, and the aircraft decelerated with the right wing and horizontal stabilizer contacting the runway surface. The aircraft drifted right and came to rest just off the runway shoulder.
Injuries to Persons
Both pilots evacuated the aircraft without injury. The instructor and student were transported to a hospital for observation.
Damage to the Aircraft
The aircraft lost the right main landing gear. Damage included the lower right side of the undercarriage and bending of the right horizontal stabilizer upper and lower surfaces. Control surfaces were slightly deformed due to contact with the runway. Fuel tanks and the cockpit remained intact.
Other Damage
No other damage to property or the environment occurred.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 172S, registration A6-FAA, serial number 172S8146. It was first flown on 17 March 2000 and had a maximum takeoff weight of 2200 lbs. The certificate of airworthiness was valid until 25 May 2015.
Meteorological Information
Prevailing meteorological conditions were not a factor in the occurrence.
Communications
All communications between air traffic services and the crew were recorded by ground-based automatic voice recording equipment. The quality of transmissions was good.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Three witness marks on the runway resulted from contact by the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and aircraft belly. The detached right main landing gear was found on the runway.
Flight Recorders
The aircraft was not fitted with a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder, and neither was required by UAE Civil Aviation Regulations.
Medical and Pathological Information
No medical or pathological investigations were conducted.
Fire
There was no evidence of pre- or post-impact fire.
Investigation and Recommendations
The investigation is ongoing. The Air Accident Investigation Sector issued Prompt Safety Recommendation PSR 29/2014 to the General Civil Aviation Authority, recommending detailed inspection of Cessna 172 main landing gear spring assemblies on similar aircraft, sharing information with other UAE operators, and issuing a safety alert to all A6-registered Cessna 172 operators to inspect landing gear for damage.