14 fatalities

Aircraft crash in Molo Strait during flight from Bima to Ruteng (PK-NUK)

Rinca Island (Pulau Rinca), IndonesiaFlight

On January 10, 1995, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration PK-NUK) operated by Merpati Nusantara Airlines - MNA was involved in an aviation accident near Rinca Island (Pulau Rinca), Indonesia in flight. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions which led to a loss of control. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft flying from Bima to Ruteng crashed in the Molo Strait near Rinca Island following encounters with adverse weather.

What happened

During a flight traveling from Bima toward Ruteng, the aircraft encountered severe weather conditions. While navigating the route, the crew lost control of the plane, which subsequently crashed into the Molo Strait, situated off the coast of Rinca Island.

There were 14 fatalities resulting from the accident, as all occupants on board were killed during the impact. The incident occurred while the aircraft was in the en route phase of flight.

Findings

  • The primary factor leading to the loss of control was the encounter with poor weather conditions during the flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions which led to a loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jan 1995 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Rinca Island (Pulau Rinca), Indonesia?

An aircraft flying from Bima to Ruteng crashed in the Molo Strait near Rinca Island following encounters with adverse weather.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jan 1995 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jan 1995 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration PK-NUK, operated by Merpati Nusantara Airlines - MNA, at Rinca Island (Pulau Rinca), Indonesia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions which led to a loss of control.