What happened
On 23 January 2024, a cadet pilot was conducting a solo training flight in a Piper PA28-1s81 Archer III, registration 9M-ITX, at Malacca International Airport. The flight, part of a general handling sortie for the International Aero Training Academy, initially proceeded to the designated training area without issue. However, as the aircraft approached the airfield, the pilot encountered approaching rain and deteriorating weather conditions.
Deciding to return to base, the pilot joined the left-hand circuit for Runway 03. During the approach, the aircraft entered a patch of cloud, resulting in a temporary loss of visual reference. Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced several bounces. The impact of these bounces caused the nose landing gear to collapse and the propeller to strike the runway surface. The pilot successfully performed an emergency shutdown and evacuated the aircraft without physical injury, though the pilot was reported to be in a state of shock.
The investigation
AAIB Malaysia investigators examined the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The inspection of 9M-ITX revealed significant structural damage, including a sheared nose landing gear, bent propeller tips, and abrasions to the aircraft belly. The investigation also utilized data from the Garmin G1000 avionics system and cockpit video footage recorded on a mobile phone to reconstruct the flight path and cockpit environment.
Investigators also reviewed organizational processes at the flight training academy. They found that the flight instructor was unaware the cadet had departed for the solo flight and that no formal pre-flight briefing had been conducted for this specific sortie. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the pilot's experience level, noting the pilot had accumulated only 22 hours and 20 minutes of total flight time.
Findings
- The aircraft approached the runway at approximately 95 knots, which was roughly 20 knots above the recommended speed.
- The failure to extend the flaps before landing was the primary reason for the excessive approach speed and the subsequent heavy impact.
- The pilot experienced significant stress and confusion due to the transition into IMC conditions and the deteriorating weather.
- There was a lack of adequate oversight, as the flight instructor had not provided a pre-flight briefing or monitored the departure.
- Organizational gaps were identified regarding communication between flight operations and instructors, as well as deficiencies in training for adverse weather management.