History of the Flight
On 30 July 2018, a Cessna 172S aircraft registered PK-BYK was operated by Balai Pendidikan dan Pelatihan Penerbang Banyuwangi (BP3B) on a night flying touch and go training flight at Blimbingsari Airport, Banyuwangi, East Java. The aircraft carried one flight instructor (FI) and two student pilots. The student pilot 1 occupied the left pilot seat as pilot flying (PF), the FI occupied the right pilot seat, and the student pilot 2 sat in the passenger seat.
The flight departed from runway 26 at 1751 local time in twilight conditions. During the initial circuits, the FI conducted exercises including simulated electrical failure, short approach, and simulated engine failure after takeoff, all performed without incident. Later, the student pilots swapped roles: the FI took control, student pilot 1 moved to the passenger seat, and student pilot 2 moved to the left seat to become PF. After student pilot 2 was ready, the FI handed over control.
While on the right base leg, student pilot 2 informed the tower controller of an upcoming electrical failure exercise. The controller acknowledged and advised to report on final. The FI then switched the master switch to the OFF position. At 1820 local time, under night conditions, the tower controller issued a touch and go clearance. The aircraft landed on runway 26. During the landing roll, the FI attempted to switch the master switch back to ON. Both the FI and PF could not locate the switch in the dark environment without a headlamp. While searching, the aircraft veered to the left and traveled into an excavated area approximately 50 cm deep located on the left side of the runway between taxiway C and D. The aircraft then veered to the right, returned to the runway, and stopped at a heading of approximately 60°.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The report notes that the right and left main landing gear left marks on the runway and scratch marks on taxiway D. The specific damaged components are detailed in the wreckage and impact information section of the investigation report.
Personnel Information
No injuries were reported among the three occupants: the flight instructor and two student pilots.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 172S, registration PK-BYK, powered by a single engine. It was equipped with an electrical system including a master switch, avionic switch, and standby battery switch. During the electrical failure simulation, the master switch was turned off, causing the landing light, instrument lights, navigation lights, and MFD to turn off. The PFD background light dimmed, and the right radio communication ceased. The standby instrument light remained illuminated.
Aerodrome Information
Blimbingsari Airport (ICAO: WADY) has a runway with an excavated area on the left side between taxiway C and D, which the aircraft entered during the accident.
Contributing Factors
The investigation identified two contributing factors. First, while attempting to select the master switch to ON, both pilots were unable to locate the switch in a dark environment without a headlamp. Second, there was no task distribution in the cockpit; both pilots focused on locating the master switch and no one maintained control of the aircraft direction, resulting in the aircraft veering off the runway.
Safety Actions and Recommendations
The Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT) acknowledged safety actions taken by related parties and issued safety recommendations to address the identified safety issues.
Probable Cause
Not stated in the source.