What happened
On 14 December 2022, a student pilot operating a Textron Aviation C172P, registration 9M-GPB, was conducting a solo cross-country navigation flight. After completing the flight segment to Kuala Penyu, the pilot returned to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for landing.
The landing process proved difficult, involving three separate attempts. During the first two approaches, the aircraft bounced twice upon touchdown, prompting the pilot to execute go-arounds. On the third attempt, the pilot adjusted the approach to aim closer to the runway threshold to facilitate a quicker exit via Taxiway Alpha. However, upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced and tilted sharply to the right, nearly striking the runway surface with the wingtip. The pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to skid left and exit the runway into the grass area between Taxiways E and F. The student pilot, who sustained no injuries, had to be assisted by emergency services to evacuate the aircraft because the port-side door was stuck.
The investigation
AAIB Malaysia examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's mechanical condition, and the aerodrome environment. The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making during the final approach and the physical state of the aircraft's door. Investigators also inspected the condition of Runway 02, noting significant pavement degradation, including cracks and potholes, which had led to its closure.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a misperception error by the student pilot, who incorrectly believed the aircraft had bounced, leading to improper corrective actions during the final landing.
- A secondary contributing factor was the pilot's over-control of the descent angle during the final approach, which increased the sink rate.
- The aircraft's port-side door was misaligned with its frame, making it difficult to open from the inside and presenting a safety hazard.
- The aircraft operator's procedures lacked guidance regarding the use of a single, consistent aiming point for approaches.
- The aerodrome's Runway 02 was in a state of disrepair, with visible surface peeling and debris.
Safety action
- The aircraft operator was advised to repair the port-side door and review flight training syllabi to include a single aiming point for landings.
- The aerodrome operator was encouraged to implement long-term maintenance solutions for the runway.
- The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) was urged to improve monitoring of runway safety levels across all aerodromes.