No fatalities

Training Flight Overrun at Kota Kinabalu Airport (9V-BCU)

Kota Kinabalu, MalaysiaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 23, 1971, a Fokker F27 Friendship (registration 9V-BCU) operated by Malaysia-Singapore Airlines - MSA was involved in an aviation accident near Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, an instructor simulated an engine failure by reducing power on the right engine. The pilot-in-command then reduced power on the left engine and braked, but the aircraft overran the runway and was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview

A twin-engine aircraft was conducting local training flights at Kota Kinabalu Airport. The crew, consisting of an instructor and a pilot under supervision, had completed several touch-and-go manoeuvres. During a subsequent takeoff, the instructor simulated an engine failure by reducing power on the right engine. In response, the pilot-in-command reduced power on the left engine and initiated emergency braking.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft was unable to decelerate sufficiently within the remaining runway distance. It overran the runway end, struck various obstacles, and lost its undercarriage before coming to rest. Both pilots were uninjured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage and was declared beyond economical repair.

Operational Context

The accident occurred during a training exercise designed to practice engine-out procedures. The simulation of an engine failure requires coordinated actions between the instructor and the pilot under supervision. In this instance, the combined reduction of power on both engines and subsequent braking did not allow for a stop within the available runway length.

Outcome

The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and subsequent ground contact. No injuries were reported among the flight crew. The investigation focused on the execution of the emergency procedure and the decision-making process during the simulated engine failure.