What happened
On January 16, 2002, a Boeing 737-300, registration PK-GWA, was operating as Flight GA 421 for PT Garuda Indonesia. The flight originated from Ampenan with a scheduled destination of Yogyakarta. While descending through 19,000 feet, the aircraft encountered intense cumulonimbus cloud formations characterized by heavy rain, ice, and severe turbulence.
During the encounter with these weather cells, the aircraft experienced a loss of electrical power from the generators. The crew subsequently identified a dual engine flame-out. In an attempt to restore power, the crew performed two engine relight attempts and one attempt to start the APU; however, the latter attempt resulted in a total loss of electrical power across the aircraft.
As the aircraft descended into visual meteorological conditions at approximately 8,000 feet, the pilot in command identified the Bengawan Solo River in Central Java. The crew initiated emergency procedures and executed a forced landing on the river. The aircraft came to rest on its belly between two iron bridges, partially submerged, with the wings and control surfaces remaining largely intact.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered severe weather, including heavy precipitation and icing, within cumulonimbus clouds.
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of power to both engines following entry into severe convective activity.
- The evacuation of the aircraft was successful, though the incident resulted in one fatality and 12 injuries.