What happened
On 11 November 2024, a Cessna 172R operated by Fujairah Aviation Academy (FUJAA) departed Fujairah International Airport for a scheduled training mission. The flight, carrying a student pilot and an instructor, was headed toward the North Training Area. After taking off from Runway 2-9R, the crew transitioned to approach control frequencies while climbing through 1,500 feet.
At approximately 08:48 LT, radar monitoring detected a sudden drop in airspeed accompanied by a loss of altitude from 3,000 feet down to 2,000 feet. Shortly thereafter, at 08:50 LT, the aircraft A6-HSS disappeared from radar contact. Despite multiple attempts by air traffic controllers and another company aircraft to re-establish communication, the crew could not be reached. Following a search and rescue operation, the instructor's body was recovered offshore near North Khorfakkan, and the student's body was located underwater on 14 November. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact with the sea.
The investigation
The UAE Air Accident Investigation Sector (AAIS) initiated an inquiry into the crash. Investigators examined radar recordings, which documented the rapid descent and loss of speed prior to the disappearance. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the engine and propeller had undergone inspections recently, and analyzed meteorological conditions, which were reported as clear with good visibility (CAVOK) at the time of the incident. The NTSB has been notified as the state of manufacture.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of airspeed and altitude immediately preceding its disappearance from radar.
- The impact with the sea was of sufficient force to destroy the aircraft.
- There were 2 fatalities involving both the instructor and the student pilot.
- No emergency distress signals were transmitted by the crew prior to the accident.