26 fatalities

1975-09-24: Fokker F28 Fellowship (PK-GVC) — Garuda Indonesian Airways — Palembang-Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, Indonesia

Palembang-Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, IndonesiaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 24, 1975, a Fokker F28 Fellowship (registration PK-GVC) operated by Garuda Indonesian Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Palembang-Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, Indonesia during landing or approach. 26 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew decided to continue the approach under VFR mode in visibility below minima. The crew led the airplane below the MDA until it impacted trees and crashed. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781229821Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on approach to Palembang-Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport crashed short of runway 28, killing all 4 crew, 21 passengers, and one person on ground, and injuring 36 others. Fog reduced visibility to 50 meters.

Incident

During the descent to Palembang-Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport, the flight encountered fog with visibility reduced to 50 meters. The crew continued the approach under visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. On final approach to runway 28, the aircraft descended too low and struck coconut trees. The crash occurred approximately 4 kilometers short of the runway. The aircraft was destroyed.

Casualties

All four crew members and 21 passengers were killed. One person on the ground also lost their life. The remaining 36 occupants on board sustained injuries.

Investigation and Probable Cause

The official investigation concluded that the crew decided to proceed with the approach under VFR mode despite visibility below minima. The crew allowed the aircraft to descend below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) until impacting trees, resulting in the crash.