What happened
On 4 March 2011, a Cessna 172, registration PK-HAF, was conducting a series of touch-and-go training exercises at Cakrabhuwana Airport in Cirebon, West Java. The flight, operated by Aero Flyer Institute, included one instructor and two student pilots. After successfully completing two maneuvers, the crew attempted a short approach exercise for the third touchdown.
During the approach, the instructor reduced engine power to a minimum. As the aircraft reached the short final stage, the student pilot took control of the aircraft. Noticing the aircraft was unable to maintain a proper landing profile, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure by applying full power. However, the aircraft was already in a descending, pitching, and banking state to the left. As thrust increased, the resulting spiraling slipstream from the propeller exerted additional pressure on the vertical stabilizer, exacerbating the left roll. The left wing tip struck the runway, followed by the propeller and the nose landing gear, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and come to rest on the left shoulder.
The investigation
The investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy prior to the training session. Investigators examined the wreckage and found substantial damage, including a detached nose landing gear, bent propeller blades, and a wrinkled fuselage. The investigation also reviewed the flight's sequence, noting that the aircraft was in a significant left bank and descent when the maximum power was applied for the go-around.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the application of maximum power for a go-around while the aircraft was in a steep left bank and descending state.
- The increased thrust during the maneuver intensified the spiraling slipstream effect, which forced the aircraft into a deeper roll to the left.
- The impact sequence began with the left wing tip, followed by the propeller and nose gear hitting the runway surface.
- There were no injuries to the three occupants on board.