Primary Cause of the Accident
The failure and in-flight separation of structural parts due to excessive operational stresses on the aircraft’s weakened composite materials has been identified as the primary cause of the fatal plane crash in Kapar, Selangor, last year. This revelation comes from the Aircraft Accident Final Report issued by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and published on MOT’s official website today. The report states that the aircraft’s structural integrity was compromised by repeated operation outside its approved flight envelope, including exceeding maximum airspeeds, load factors, and structural limits, which placed undue strain on its structure. Furthermore, the installation of non-certified parts, specifically the tie-down rings, further weakened the aircraft’s integrity, contributing to the failure.
- These operational stresses were compounded by the pilot’s aggressive flying manoeuvres beyond the aircraft’s approved limits, which contributed to excessive loading that compromised the aircraft’s structural integrity, leading to the in-flight separation of parts.
- The aircraft was subjected to unapproved maintenance practices, including the installation of non-certified parts by unqualified personnel, compromising the aircraft’s structural integrity, making it more susceptible to in-flight failure.
Contributing Factors
The report highlights several contributing factors to the accident, including pilot performance, aircraft maintenance, organisational failures and operational oversight. The pilot engaged in aggressive flying manoeuvres beyond the aircraft’s approved limits that contributed to excessive loading that compromised the aircraft’s structural integrity, leading to the in-flight separation of parts. The aircraft was subjected to unapproved maintenance practices, including the installation of non-certified parts by unqualified personnel, compromising the aircraft’s structural integrity, making it more susceptible to in-flight failure. The report also notes that the accident was not survivable due to the magnitude of the deceleration forces involved upon impact.
| Pilot Performance | Aircraft Maintenance | Organisational Failures | Operational Oversight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggressive flying manoeuvres beyond approved limits | Unapproved maintenance practices | Organisational failures | Operational oversight |
Additional Findings
The report also reveals that the pilot’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was found to be 0.032 per cent, which is above the prescribed legal limit (0.02 per cent) and may have impaired the pilot’s performance during the flight. The report recommends Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to implement enhanced measures for scrutinising nonscheduled flight operations within Malaysia, particularly those involving foreign-registered aircraft and foreign-licensed aircrew.
Recommendations
The report recommends that CAAM should:
- Implement enhanced measures for scrutinising nonscheduled flight operations within Malaysia.
- Enhance training for pilots and aircraft maintenance personnel to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Strengthen organisational procedures and oversight to prevent similar accidents in the future.
- Improve public awareness campaigns to promote safe flying practices.
Conclusion
The fatal plane crash in Kapar serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and protocols. The report highlights the need for enhanced measures to be put in place to prevent similar accidents in the future. The recommendations made by the report will help to improve aviation safety in Malaysia and beyond.
The fatal plane crash in Kapar will not be forgotten, and it is our hope that the findings of this report will serve as a catalyst for change, leading to a safer and more responsible aviation industry.
