Fatal mountain collision near Bintuni Airport

22 fatalities • Bintuni, Indonesia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its approach to Bintuni Airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During an approach to Bintuni Airport, the flight crew encountered adverse weather conditions that significantly reduced visibility. While maneuvering near the airfield, the aircraft collided with a mountain located only a few kilometers from the runway.

The impact resulted in a total of 22 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants. The accident occurred during the approach phase of the flight.

Findings

Preliminary details indicate that poor weather conditions were a primary factor during the final stages of the flight, leading to the controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain while operating in poor weather conditions during its approach to the airport.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-09-15 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Bintuni, Indonesia?

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its approach to Bintuni Airport, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1989-09-15 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 22 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-09-15 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration PK-NUE, operated by Merpati Nusantara Airlines - MNA, at Bintuni, Indonesia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain while operating in poor weather conditions during its approach to the airport.

Loading the flight search…