What happened
On 28 January 2014, a Cessna 172S, registration PK-BOB, was conducting a solo training flight near Blimbingsari Airport in East Java. While on final approach for runway 08 at approximately 200 feet, the student pilot spotted another aircraft on the runway and prepared to execute a go-around. However, at that same moment, the tower controller issued a landing clearance. The pilot subsequently reversed the decision and elected to continue the landing.
During the touchdown, the aircraft bounced twice. The pilot then initiated a go-around, but during the climb, an unusual engine noise was heard. The aircraft experienced control difficulties on the downwind leg before landing safely. Upon inspection, investigators found that the propeller blade tips were bent and the nose wheel tire had been ripped from its hub. Two distinct scratch marks from the propeller were discovered on the runway surface, approximately 200 feet from the start of the runway.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process and the aircraft's landing technique. Investigators noted that the student pilot had limited experience, with only 20 hours and 32 minutes of total flight time and only 40 minutes of flying in the preceding 90 days.
By analyzing the aircraft dimensions and the location of the runway scratches, investigators determined the aircraft had maintained a steep nose-down pitch of approximately 16 degrees during the landing. This attitude caused the propeller tips to strike the pavement. The investigation also reviewed the Cessna 172S manual, which emphasizes that a go-around is the prudent choice whenever a landing outcome becomes uncertain.
Findings
- The pilot's rapid succession of changing decisions—from landing to go-around and back to landing—occurred during the most critical phase of flight.
- The frequent decision changes during a short period of time overwhelmed the student pilot's limited experience, resulting in improper aircraft handling and a steep nose-down landing attitude.
- The pilot's recent flight activity was minimal, which may have contributed to degraded handling skills during an abnormal situation.
Safety action
Following the investigation, the KNKT issued safety recommendations to the flight training organization (LOKA LP3). The recommendations include:
- Emphasizing that student pilots must possess the necessary knowledge and skill to make correct decisions, particularly when a safe landing is no longer possible.
- Implementing special training or oversight for student pilots returning to solo flight duties after a prolonged absence from flight operations.