On February 22, 2005, a Casa 212 Aviocar (registration P-2032) operated by Indonesian National Police - Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia was involved in an aviation accident near Sarmi, Indonesia during landing or approach. 15 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced engine malfunctions during its final approach, leading to a loss of altitude and a subsequent impact with the sea. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed into the sea near Sarmi Airport following reports of engine issues during its final approach.
What happened
During the final approach phase to Sarmi Airport, the flight crew communicated that the aircraft was experiencing engine-related difficulties. Shortly after this report, the aircraft lost altitude and impacted the water approximately 400 metres from the runway threshold. Following the impact, the wreckage was located 100 metres away from the shoreline.
Findings
Search and rescue operations resulted in the survival of three passengers. However, the accident resulted in 15 fatalities among the other occupants of the aircraft. The primary factor identified during the descent was engine problems reported by the crew prior to the loss of altitude.
Probable cause
The aircraft experienced engine malfunctions during its final approach, leading to a loss of altitude and a subsequent impact with the sea.