Training Flight Fatalities in Faisalabad Following Engine Failure Procedure Deviation (AP-ZBQ)

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-01-02 involved an aircraft, registration AP-ZBQ, operated by SHAHEEN AIR FLYING TRAINING, at FAISALABAD, PK.

On January 2, 2023, an aircraft (registration AP-ZBQ) operated by SHAHEEN AIR FLYING TRAINING was involved in an aviation accident near FAISALABAD, PK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the crew's decision to attempt a 180-degree turn to return to the runway following an engine power loss, a maneuver that deviated from established safety procedures and led to an uncontrollable descent. This summary draws on records from the Safety Investigation Board of Pakistan (SIB/BASI).

Sourcesthe Safety Investigation Board of Pakistan (SIB/BASI)Primary reportUpdated 1781090670Data API Editorial standards

A Cessna-162 training aircraft crashed near Faisalabad, killing both the instructor and student pilot after attempting an unauthorized 180-degree turn following an engine issue.

What happened

On 24th February 2017, a Cessna-162, registration AP-ZBQ, was conducting a routine training flight at Faisalabad airport. The aircraft was operated by Shaheen Air Flying Training School (SAFTS) and carried an instructor pilot in the right seat and a student pilot in the left seat. During the climb, which reached 575 feet above ground level, the aircraft experienced an engine problem resulting in a loss of power.

Following the power loss, the aircraft was observed turning right toward the runway. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a steep dive and impacted the ground in a nose-low attitude. The impact resulted in two fatalities, involving both the instructor and the student pilot. The aircraft was completely destroyed, though no damage to ground property was reported.

The investigation

The Safety Investigation Board (SIB), Pakistan, examined flight data recovered from a Garmin-100 memory card, which had been sent to the NTSB for analysis. Technical examinations of the engine and propeller confirmed they were in good condition and had been properly maintained. Investigators also reviewed maintenance records, meteorological data, and air traffic control tapes.

The investigation focused on whether the event was a real engine failure or a simulated emergency. While some engine parameters fluctuated, data indicated that the engine RPM actually increased to maximum power just before impact. This led investigators to consider the possibility that the crew was practicing a simulated engine flameout.

Findings

The primary cause of the accident was the non-adherence to OEM recommended procedures for an engine failure after takeoff. Instead of following the checklist to land straight ahead, the crew attempted a 180-degree turn back to the runway.
The instructor had been teaching a non-standard and prohibited procedure involving a turn-back maneuver that deviated from both the Pilot Operating Handbook and the approved training manual.
The attempt to turn back likely led to an over-banking condition or a stall, causing the steep dive into the ground.
There was a lack of standardized ground training plans at the flight school, with much of the instruction conducted on an ad-hoc basis.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the crew's decision to attempt a 180-degree turn to return to the runway following an engine power loss, a maneuver that deviated from established safety procedures and led to an uncontrollable descent.

Engine failure

2023-01-02: (AP-ZBQ) — SHAHEEN AIR FLYING TRAINING — FAISALABAD, PK