Aircraft ground loop at Mulia Airport

No fatalities • Mulia, Indonesia • Landing (descent or approach)

A single-pilot aircraft experienced a loss of altitude during its final approach to Mulia Airport, resulting in a ground loop and significant damage.

What happened

During the final segment of its approach to Mulia Airport, the aircraft encountered sudden downdrafts that caused a rapid loss of altitude. This atmospheric disturbance resulted in the nose gear making contact with the ground before the main landing gear. Following this initial impact, the aircraft became uncontrollable and entered a ground loop.

The sequence of events concluded when the aircraft came to a stop in a nearby ditch. The pilot, who was the only person on board at the time of the incident, was able to exit the wreckage without any injuries. While there were zero fatalities and zero injuries reported, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was the impact of downdrafts during the landing phase.
  • The loss of height led to an improper landing configuration where the nose gear struck the surface first.

Probable cause

Sudden downdrafts during the final approach caused the aircraft to lose altitude and land nose-first, leading to a ground loop.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-01-19 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Mulia, Indonesia?

A single-pilot aircraft experienced a loss of altitude during its final approach to Mulia Airport, resulting in a ground loop and significant damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 2004-01-19 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-01-19 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration PK-WAX, operated by Air Regional, at Mulia, Indonesia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Sudden downdrafts during the final approach caused the aircraft to lose altitude and land nose-first, leading to a ground loop.

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