What happened
On 20 April 2020, a Pacific Aerospace FU 24-950 (Fletcher), registered as PK-PNZ, was conducting agricultural operations near the Mambruk Airstrip in Lereh, Papua. The aircraft, operated by PT Sinar Mas Super Air, was engaged in a fertilizer spraying mission when it encountered a large animal on the runway. During the flight sequence, the aircraft struck a boar on the airstrip, which subsequently caused the nose wheel to collapse. Despite the impact, there were no injuries reported, and the aircraft sustained only minor damage.
The investigation
An investigation conducted by Indonesia’s KNKT, with assistance from TAIC, focused on the circumstances surrounding the wildlife strike. Investigators examined the environment of the Mambrug Airstrip, noting that the area near the threshold of runway 36 was being utilized by local residents for boar farming. The inquiry sought to determine how the animal entered the active airfield environment. The investigation established that the animal had breached the perimeter due to the deteriorated condition of the existing fencing and guttering system.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a wildlife strike involving a boar on the airstrip.
- The boar gained access to the runway because of inadequate fencing and drainage infrastructure.
- The presence of livestock/farming activities near the runway threshold increased the risk of animal incursions.