Aircraft crash near Long Bawan Airport

9 fatalities • Long Bawan, Indonesia • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area during its final approach to Long Bawan Airport, resulting in nine fatalities.

What happened

During the final approach phase to Long Bawan Airport, a twin-engine aircraft struck trees and crashed into a forested region situated approximately 8 km before the runway. The incident occurred while the aircraft was maintaining an altitude of 5,400 feet. Following the impact, the wreckage remained undiscovered for six days. During the recovery efforts, one passenger was successfully evacuated alive, but the remaining nine occupants of the aircraft perished in the accident.

Findings

Preliminary information indicates that the crew was performing the approach at an altitude that was too low for the phase of flight. The specific reasons why the aircraft was descending at an insufficient altitude during the approach remain undetermined.

Probable cause

The aircraft was flying at an inadequate altitude during its final approach to the airport.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-07-16 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Long Bawan, Indonesia?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area during its final approach to Long Bawan Airport, resulting in nine fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-07-16 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-07-16 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration PK-TAR, operated by Sabang Merauke Raya Air Charter - SMAC, at Long Bawan, Indonesia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was flying at an inadequate altitude during its final approach to the airport.

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