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8 fatalities

Fatal aircraft crash near airport during final approach (PK-NUW)

Ruteng, IndonesiaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 23, 1987, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration PK-NUW) operated by Merpati Nusantara Airlines - MNA was involved in an aviation accident near Ruteng, Indonesia during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck trees during approach in adverse weather, leading to a stall and subsequent crash. 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 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered PK-NUW
Aircraft registered PK-NUW. Photo: Richard Vandervord / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft crashed into a forested area during its final approach to an airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight, an aircraft encountered difficult weather conditions. While maneuvering toward the runway, the plane made contact with trees located a short distance from the airfield. Following this impact, the aircraft experienced a stall and descended into a jungle area situated several kilometers away from the airport.

There were eight fatalities recorded in the accident, as all individuals on board perished during the crash. No survivors were reported from the wreckage.

Findings

  • The flight was operating in poor weather conditions at the time of the accident.
  • The sequence of events involved an initial impact with vegetation followed by a loss of airspeed and aerodynamic lift.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees during approach in adverse weather, leading to a stall and subsequent crash.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 May 1987 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Ruteng, Indonesia?

An aircraft crashed into a forested area during its final approach to an airport, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 May 1987 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 May 1987 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration PK-NUW, operated by Merpati Nusantara Airlines - MNA, at Ruteng, Indonesia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck trees during approach in adverse weather, leading to a stall and subsequent crash.

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