On July 16, 2002, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration PK-TAR) operated by Sabang Merauke Raya Air Charter - SMAC was involved in an aviation accident near Long Bawan, Indonesia during landing or approach. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was flying at an inadequate altitude during its final approach to the airport. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
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.