Lion Air Flight 904 water impact near Ngurah Rai International Airport

No fatalities • Denpasar-I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Indonesia • Landing (descent or approach)

A Lion Air Boeing 737-800 crashed into the sea short of the runway during its final approach to Bali, Indonesia, resulting in no fatalities but several injuries.

What happened

On 13 April 2013, a Boeing 737-800, registration PK-LKS, was operating a scheduled passenger service from Bandung to Bali, Indonesia. The flight, operated by PT. Lion Mentari Airlines, carried a total of 108 persons, including 101 passengers and 7 crew members.

During the approach to Ngurah Rai International Airport, the aircraft was cleared for a VOR DME approach to runway 09. While descending, the tower controller instructed the crew to reduce speed to maintain separation from another aircraft. As the aircraft descended through 1,600 feet, the crew received landing clearance and wind information.

As the aircraft approached the runway, the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) issued several altitude alerts, including "ONE THOUSAND" and "MINIMUM". At approximately 900 feet, the second in command noted that the runway was not visible, though the pilot in command initially ordered the approach to continue. At 07:09:33 UTC, the second in command disengaged both the autopilot and auto-throttle. Shortly after, the aircraft's altitude dropped to approximately 150 feet, at which point the pilot in command took manual control of the aircraft.

Despite a command for a go-around following a "TWENTY" foot alert, the aircraft impacted the water at 07:10:02 UTC. The wreckage came to rest approximately 300 meters southwest of the start of runway 09. While there were no fatalities, the evacuation of the 108 occupants was completed by 07:55 UTC.

Findings

  • The crew continued the approach despite the inability to visually identify the runway.
  • The autopilot and auto-throttle were disengaged during the final stages of the descent.

Probable cause

The aircraft impacted the water short of the runway after the crew continued an approach despite losing visual contact with the runway and receiving multiple low-altitude warnings.

All Boeing 737-800 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-04-13 Boeing 737-800 accident near Denpasar-I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Indonesia?

A Lion Air Boeing 737-800 crashed into the sea short of the runway during its final approach to Bali, Indonesia, resulting in no fatalities but several injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 2013-04-13 Boeing 737-800 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-04-13 involved a Boeing 737-800, registration PK-LKS, operated by Lion Air, at Denpasar-I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Indonesia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft impacted the water short of the runway after the crew continued an approach despite losing visual contact with the runway and receiving multiple low-altitude warnings.

Loading the flight search…