What happened
On 14 October 2022, a solo training flight involving a Piper PA28-181 Archer III, registration 9M-SK_F, resulted in a runway excursion at Malacca International Airport. The flight, conducted by a cadet pilot from the Malaysian Flying Academy, was part of a syllabus requirement to perform one touch-and-go and one full-stop landing.
After completing a successful landing on Runway 03, the pilot immediately began a roll for a subsequent take-off. As full power was applied, the aircraft experienced a significant left yawing tendency. The pilot, unable to compensate with sufficient right rudder, became panicked. Despite applying the brakes, the aircraft's momentum and power setting caused it to veer left of the runway centerline. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the soft grass approximately 95m from the centerline.
While the pilot sustained no physical injuries, the individual was in a state of shock following the incident. Airport Fire and Rescue Services responded promptly to the scene.
The investigation
AAIB Malaysia examined the aircraft, the runway, and the pilot's training records. Investigators found that the 9M-SKF was in an airworthy condition and had been properly maintained. Post-incident inspections of the engine, flight controls, and landing gear revealed no mechanical failures or abnormalities.
Analysis of the flight sequence revealed that the pilot failed to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) during the critical moments of the takeoff roll. Specifically, the pilot did not execute the proper aborted takeoff procedure and failed to use the correct control techniques to counteract the aircraft's natural yawing tendency. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot did not attempt to reduce power or shut down the engine as the excursion began.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the pilot applying incorrect control techniques during the rolling takeoff, which led to the aircraft veering left.
- The pilot failed to initiate an aborted takeoff procedure as the aircraft approached the edge of the runway.
- A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of sufficient motor skills and coordination, as noted in previous progress reports.
- The aircraft was fully airworthy and the weather conditions were clear at the time of the occurrence.