It seems there is no .img file inside the tool it's a raw image firmware that works on old miners but the .img file for t9+ seems never exist.
Anyway, have you formatted the SD card to FAT32? Try to format it again and copy all files again to the root directory of your SD card.
If still doesn't work or it doesn't show any led signal when flashing check the jp4 if it's well attached.
Also, try another SD card, and maybe the SD card you currently use is broken which keeps files you copy corrupted/broken.
Once it's successful flash it again through the WebGUI use the 2017 firmware below this one is already deleted on their download page but the link still working.
- https://file.bitmain.com/shop-file-server/firmwares/Antminer%20T9%2B/Firmware/00720180209143644817e9j6NQuj06BF/Antminer-T9-PLUS-all-201711242319-autofreq-user-Update2UBI-NF.tar.gz
I've tried all of this, unfortunately to no success. looks like ill have to bite the bullet and buy a new board (reason for wanting to flash is that one of the fan connectors is broken and I wanted to disable it). looks like even on the T9+ the latest 2019 firmware also disables SD card flashing. Thanks to all for helping me