Aircraft crash near Tarakan Airport following engine failure

7 fatalities • Tarakan, Indonesia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a hilltop during an aborted takeoff attempt near Tarakan Airport, resulting in seven fatalities.

What happened

During a flight departing from Tarakan Airport toward Long Bawan, the aircraft experienced mechanical issues shortly after leaving the runway. Upon detecting engine problems, the pilot initiated a return to the airport.

While attempting the approach, the aircraft lost airspeed and entered a stall. The plane subsequently struck the summit of a hill situated approximately 1,500 metres before the runway threshold. The accident resulted in seven fatalities and left three passengers with injuries.

Findings

  • The flight was interrupted by engine problems occurring during the initial climb phase.
  • The aircraft's descent ended in a stall during the return approach.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a stall during a return approach following the onset of engine malfunctions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-11-07 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Tarakan, Indonesia?

An aircraft crashed into a hilltop during an aborted takeoff attempt near Tarakan Airport, resulting in seven fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-11-07 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-11-07 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration PK-VIZ, operated by Dirgantara Air Service, at Tarakan, Indonesia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a stall during a return approach following the onset of engine malfunctions.

Loading the flight search…

What you can do on Flight Finder

  • Search flights between any two airports with live fares.
  • By aircraft — pick a plane model (e.g. Boeing 787, Airbus A350) and see every route it flies from your origin.
  • Route map — click any airport worldwide to explore its destinations, or draw a radius to find nearby airports.
  • Global aviation safety — aviation accident database, 40,000+ records since 1980, with map and rankings by aircraft and operator.
  • NTSB safety feed — recent U.S. aviation accidents and incidents from the official NTSB CAROL database, updated daily.