Incident Overview
On 26 March 2026, a Diamond DA40 NG aircraft, registration 9M-LIZ, operated by Asia Aeronautical Training Academy, was involved in a propeller strike incident at Malacca International Airport (WMKM). The occurrence is believed to have taken place at approximately 0830 local time during a bounced touch-and-go landing while the aircraft was being flown on a solo navigation flight by a student pilot.
Flight History
The aircraft was scheduled for three sorties that day. The first sortie, a solo navigation flight from Senai International Airport (WMKJ) to Malacca and back, was conducted by a 24-year-old male student pilot with 55 total flight hours. He departed at 0720 LT and landed at 1015 LT. The second sortie, flown by a 20-year-old female student pilot with 49 flight hours, was a solo navigation flight from WMKJ to Muar and back, departing at 1045 LT and landing at 1235 LT. Both students were properly authorized and medically fit.
Discovery of Damage
The propeller damage was not detected during the pre-flight or post-flight inspections of the first two sorties. It was only discovered around 1350 LT by a third student during a pre-flight inspection for a planned dual sortie. The student immediately reported the abnormal condition to maintenance personnel and the flight instructor. The aircraft was subsequently rendered unserviceable.
Damage and Repairs
Inspection revealed significant damage to the propeller tip, including scratch marks and visible deformation. Following consultation with the original equipment manufacturer, it was determined that the propeller, gearbox, flywheel, and engine mounting required replacement. A full airframe and engine inspection remained ongoing at the time of the report. The aircraft was grounded pending completion of repairs and further investigation. No other damage had been confirmed.
Personnel and Environmental Conditions
Both student pilots were medically fit and adequately rested. The first student had a rest period of less than 24 hours before the flight; the second had more than 24 hours. Weather conditions at Malacca between 0700 and 1000 LT were fine, with visibility exceeding 10 kilometers and no contribution to the incident. All air traffic control communication frequencies were operating normally.
Status and Reporting
The mandatory occurrence report was submitted by the operator to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia and the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) Malaysia. The incident came to the AAIB's attention on 2 April 2026 via email. No injuries were reported. Replacement parts were ordered on 27 March 2026.