Malacca aircraft crash: Pilot escapes with minor injuries

There was only one pilot in the aircraft, belonging to the Malaysia Flying Academy based in Batu Berendam, during the incident.

The pilot, identified as P. Devenessrao, was rushed to the Melaka Hospital for further treament.

Bernama reported that Devenessrao sustained minor injuries on his head and neck and is being warded at the Melaka Hospital.

Devenessrao, 20, from Bahau, Negeri Sembilan, a trainee of the Malaysian Flying Academy, was alone in the Piper PA-28 at the time of the incident, just after noon.

A witness, Zameri Nawi, 50, from the Melaka Tengah police headquarters, said he noticed the aircraft tottering about noon before it struck the branches of a tree and crashed on the road.

He was speaking to reporters when met at the scene of the crash.

Meanwhile, state public order and traffic police chief Supt Ahmad Adnan Basri said Devenessrao left the Melaka International Airport in Batu Berendam at 11.15am for flying practice before making an emergency call to the control tower, 41 minutes later.

He said the aircraft later crashed about 30 metres from the condominium before the pilot emerged with minor injuries.

"Policemen have been stationed at the site of the crash while awaiting a team from the Department of Civil Aviation to investigate the cause of the crash," he added.

Meanwhile, Jalan Kubu Fire and Rescue Department chief, Deputy Superintendent Yazid Mohd Tahir, said firefighters sprayed the aircraft with foam to prevent fire as a fuel leak was detected