Incident Overview
On 24 January 2017, a Piper PA-28 Warrior aircraft, registered PK-PBO, experienced a serious incident during landing at Nusawiru Airport (WICN) in Pangandaran, West Java. The aircraft was being operated by a student pilot from Perkasa Flying School on a solo training flight. After touching down, the aircraft bounced five times and eventually came to a stop on the right runway shoulder, approximately 1,000 meters from the beginning of Runway 07.
Flight Sequence
The student pilot attended a morning briefing at approximately 0630 local time before the flight. After a delay due to another aircraft occupying the training area and a parachute jumping activity, the aircraft departed at 0231 UTC for a solo exercise in the Pangan training area. About 45 minutes later, the student pilot requested clearance to return to Nusawiru and was instructed to join a left downwind for Runway 07 via Batu Hiu at 1,500 feet. The approach was normal, and the AFIS controller reported calm wind. While crossing the threshold, the throttle was closed, and the pilot encountered wind from an unclear direction. The aircraft contacted the runway and bounced five times. After the fifth bounce, the aircraft landed. The pilot was instructed to taxi via Taxiway B, but during a 180-degree turn, the nose wheel left the runway and became stuck on the grass. The pilot shut down the engine and awaited towing. The runway was closed for approximately seven minutes for recovery. The student pilot was not injured.
Aircraft Damage
Inspection revealed the following damage:
- Lower engine cowling scratched.
- Nose landing gear bent and shimmy damper slightly displaced backward.
- Both propeller tips bent approximately 10 centimeters from the tips.
- Left and right engine lower struts bent.
- Fan blower deformed.
- Fuel pump deformed and leaking.
Pilot Background
The student pilot was 19 years old and had joined the flying school on 1 August 2016. He held a valid license and a second-class medical certificate valid until January 2017. His total experience on the Piper Warrior II was 16 hours. He had been introduced to bounce recovery techniques during training.
Safety Message
The investigation highlighted that the incident resulted from an incorrect flare technique that led to the aircraft bouncing and improper recovery. The flying school was advised to ensure adequate training and assessment for student pilots in handling aircraft under normal and abnormal conditions.