History of the Flight
On 19 September 2014, a Cessna 172 aircraft with registration PK-MSN, operated by Merpati Pilot School (MPS), was conducting a training solo flight. The flight departed from Trunojoyo Airport, Sumenep, East Java, to the Puteran Training Area and was scheduled to return to Trunojoyo for touch-and-go landings. No abnormalities were reported during the flight in the Puteran training area until the first touch-and-go.
During the second touch-and-go, just after becoming airborne, the pilot declared Mayday, as stated by the Trunojoyo Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) officer. The AFIS officer reported that the aircraft was at approximately 400 feet altitude and turned to the right. The right wing tip struck the ground first, followed by the nose and fuselage. The aircraft crashed on a paddy field approximately 500 meters from the end of runway 12.
Injuries and Damage
The student pilot sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged.
Aircraft and Operational Information
The accident aircraft was a Cessna 172, serial number not specified in the source, registered PK-MSN. The flight was a solo training mission conducted by Merpati Pilot School. No information was provided regarding the engine, propeller, or maintenance history beyond general inspection programs.
Investigation Findings
The investigation by the Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT) identified safety issues related to engine performance inspection and emergency landing training. The investigation determined that the instantaneous and explosive burning of the fuel/air mixture had led to detonation, causing the engine to operate with significantly degraded performance. Such a situation required proper flying skill and judgment; however, the pilot's actions were deferred when facing that critical condition.
Contributing Factors
The contributing factors, as stated by the investigation, were the instantaneous and explosive burning of the fuel/air mixture leading to detonation and consequent degraded engine performance, and the pilot's deferred actions when confronting the critical condition.