On January 19, 2004, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration PK-WAX) operated by Air Regional was involved in an aviation accident near Mulia, Indonesia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Sudden downdrafts during the final approach caused the aircraft to lose altitude and land nose-first, leading to a ground loop. 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 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.