KUALA LUMPUR – Low-cost airline company MYAirline has explained that one of its aircraft that aborted a landing in the midst of approaching the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) recently had conducted a “go-around”, a safe and standard practice when landing is discouraged.
In a statement today, MYAirline explained that flight Z9 8202 from Sibu to Kuala Lumpur on February 27 had performed the procedure as another aircraft that had landed was still on the klia2 runway.
“Our aircraft had performed a go-around procedure due to a preceding aircraft that was still on the runway,” it said.
“A go-around procedure known as a missed approach is a standard and safe operating practice.
“When an approach or landing is found to be in doubt, the pilot in command performs a go-around before proceeding to conduct another approach for a safe landing,” it added.
A go-around is a process when an aircraft, that is on final approach or has already touched down, aborts its landing.
It can be requested by air traffic control or initiated by the pilot, under circumstances including obstructions on the runway or unstabilised approach by the aircraft.
MYAirline also confirmed that the pilot maintained communication with the air traffic control officer throughout the process, which is a requirement under the safety procedure, and had landed safely in the next attempt.
“We would like to assure that all our pilots are extensively trained and competent in performing this procedure,” it said.
Regarding the discomfort experienced by the passengers, MYAirline revealed that an investigation was conducted immediately.
Its report found that there were no “adverse reactions or extreme responses” from passengers during the procedure.
Nonetheless, the airline company assured that its pilots are extensively trained and competent in performing the go-around, while its cabin crew is well trained to reduce fears by passengers, should the need arise.
It also issued an apology for any discomfort from the procedure, which was conducted for the safety of everyone onboard.
MYAirline added it has communicated with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia to ensure all technical safety matters were addressed, in accordance with its safety procedures and regulations.
Two days ago, The Borneo Post reported a passenger demanding that MYAirline and the klia2 control tower explain the rationale behind the flight aborting its landing just moments before touching down, which caused distress to its passengers.
“What was the distance between the plane on the runway and today’s plane flight Z98202 approaching to land when the captain decided to abort the landing? Who alerted the pilot?” asked the passenger, Wong Ching Yong.
Wong is a chartered accountant and the deputy chairman of Sibu Rural District Council.
“Was it the control tower or the plane’s automatic alert system, or the pilot himself saw another plane on the runway?” he questioned.
Wong also asked how frequently similar incidents occur in KLIA and what steps MyAirline and the control tower will take to ensure that such incidents never occur again. – The Vibes, March 1, 2023
