Mid-air collision of two aircraft near Palembang

17 fatalities • Palembang, Indonesia • Landing (descent or approach)

Two aircraft collided during their approach to Palembang-Sultan Badaruddin II Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 34 people on board.

What happened

During an approach to Palembang-Sultan Badaruddin II Airport, two planes were involved in a mid-air collision. One of the aircraft was arriving from Medan and carried 13 passengers along with four crew members. The second aircraft, a Garuda C-47 with registration PK-GDU, was also in the vicinity during the approach phase.

Upon impact, both planes lost control and descended into a nearby swampy region. The accident resulted in 34 fatalities, accounting for every person on board both aircraft.

Findings

Investigations into the accident concluded that the primary reason for the collision was that both crews failed to maintain adequate visual scanning for other traffic while approaching the same airfield simultaneously. Additionally, it was noted that inadequate assistance from Air Traffic Control may have contributed to the occurrence of the event.

Probable cause

The collision occurred because both flight crews did not sufficiently monitor for nearby aircraft during their approach to the airport.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1966-01-01 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Palembang, Indonesia?

Two aircraft collided during their approach to Palembang-Sultan Badaruddin II Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 34 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1966-01-01 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 17 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1966-01-01 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration PK-GDE, operated by Garuda Indonesian Airways, at Palembang, Indonesia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision occurred because both flight crews did not sufficiently monitor for nearby aircraft during their approach to the airport.

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