14 fatalities

Charter Flight Crash Near Pekanbaru After Right-Engine Failure (PK-OBK)

Pekanbaru-Sultan Syarif Kasim II-Simpang Tiga, IndonesiaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 28, 1981, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration PK-OBK) operated by Airfast Indonesia was involved in an aviation accident near Pekanbaru-Sultan Syarif Kasim II-Simpang Tiga, Indonesia during landing or approach. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine on final approach for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A charter flight from Singapore to Pekanbaru crashed about 2 km short of the runway after the right engine failed on final approach, killing 14 occupants and seriously injuring three passengers.

Incident Overview A charter flight operating from Singapore to Pekanbaru was carrying four crew members and 13 employees of the Hudbay Oil Company when it crashed during final approach. The aircraft lost power after the right engine failed and struck the ground approximately 2 km short of the runway threshold.## Casualties The accident resulted in 14 fatalities among the occupants. Three passengers sustained serious injuries. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, or exact location beyond the approach to Pekanbaru.## Probable Cause The official investigation attributed the accident to the failure of the right engine on final approach, with the reasons for the engine failure remaining unknown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Apr 1981 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Pekanbaru-Sultan Syarif Kasim II-Simpang Tiga, Indonesia?

A charter flight from Singapore to Pekanbaru crashed about 2 km short of the runway after the right engine failed on final approach, killing 14 occupants and seriously injuring three passengers.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Apr 1981 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Apr 1981 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration PK-OBK, operated by Airfast Indonesia, at Pekanbaru-Sultan Syarif Kasim II-Simpang Tiga, Indonesia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the right engine on final approach for unknown reasons.