17 fatalities

2005-04-12: De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (PK-LTZ) — GT Air — Timika, Indonesia

Timika, IndonesiaFlight

On April 12, 2005, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration PK-LTZ) operated by GT Air was involved in an aviation accident near Timika, Indonesia in flight. 17 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781199679Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into hilly terrain eight minutes after takeoff from Timika, Indonesia, killing all 17 occupants. Poor weather with low ceiling and rain was reported.

Overview

On the day of the accident, a twin-engine aircraft departed Timika-Moses Kilangin Airport at 1050 local time. The flight was bound for Enarotali, with an estimated duration of 27 minutes. Onboard were 14 passengers and a crew of three.

Flight Details

Approximately eight minutes into the flight, while cruising in poor weather conditions, the aircraft impacted hilly terrain. The weather at the time was characterized by low ceiling and rain.

Aftermath

The wreckage was located two days after the accident. The aircraft disintegrated upon impact, resulting in the deaths of all 17 occupants.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be controlled flight into terrain.