Flight Information
On 5 August 2012, a Cessna 172 aircraft, registered PK-ROI and operated by PT Bali International Flight Academy (BIFA), was conducting a mutual flight training cross-country flight. The flight originated from Letnan Kolonel Wisnu Airport and included stops at Celukan Bawang, Singaraja, Kubutambahan, and Blimbingsari Airport, where full-stop landings were performed. The aircraft departed Blimbingsari Airport at 05:50 UTC for the return leg to Letnan Kolonel Wisnu Airport at a cruising altitude of 1,600 feet and an airspeed of 95 knots.
Accident Sequence
Upon reaching the Labuan point, the aircraft descended to 1,000 feet to join a right downwind for runway 32. The Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) officer reported surface wind as 320/10 knots. On final approach, at an altitude of 500 feet, the aircraft was configured with flaps at 30 degrees and an airspeed of 65 knots, subsequently reduced to 60 knots on short final. The student pilot reduced engine power to idle. The pilot then perceived the aircraft sinking, and it impacted a tree. The pilot attempted a go-around by increasing power, but the aircraft veered left and impacted the ground.
The first impact mark was found on the top of a tree adjacent to the short final path of runway 32, at an approximate height of 10 meters. Two additional impact marks were located on the airport fence and another tree. The aircraft came to rest on the left side of runway 32, approximately 59 meters from the runway centerline.
Damage and Injuries
The two occupants sustained minor injuries. The aircraft suffered substantial damage. A nearby house sustained minor damage.
Pilot Information
Both pilots held valid Private Pilot Licenses (PPL) and valid medical certificates. They each had approximately 91 flight hours on the Cessna 172 type. The student pilot reported that instructors had taught them to target an altitude of 500 feet over high tension cables and to reduce power while abeam a Honda store on short final, which was located about 1 mile from the runway threshold. During the accident flight, the student pilot reduced power to idle when abeam the Honda store.
Contributing Factors
The investigation determined that the student pilot reduced engine power to idle at a position that resulted in a high sink rate and low airspeed, causing the aircraft to impact terrain during an attempted go-around. The aircraft was airworthy prior to impact, and all systems were functioning normally.