4 fatalities

Aircraft crash in Sampit River during approach (PK-VIR)

Sampit, IndonesiaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 24, 1987, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration PK-VIR) operated by Dirgantara Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Sampit, Indonesia during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the Sampit River near Sampit Airport, resulting in four fatalities and five survivors.

What happened

During the final approach to Sampit Airport, a twin engine aircraft experienced a loss of control. The flight path deviated from its intended course, leading to an impact within the Sampit River, located a short distance from the airfield.

Following the crash, rescue efforts were able to locate several individuals from the aircraft. The incident resulted in four fatalities, while five other occupants were successfully pulled from the wreckage and rescued.

Findings

The specific circumstances leading to the loss of control during the approach phase have not yet been detailed in the available reports.