What happened
On 28 January 2008, a Boeing B7SB3-300, registration PK-MBP, operated by PT. Merpati Nusantara Airlines, was completing a flight from Sentani Airport to Mopah Airport in Merauke, Papua. The flight carried 147 people, including 124 adults, 10 children, 7 infants, and a crew of six.
During the landing roll on runway 16, the flight crew spotted a cow running across the active runway. As the aircraft was approximately 1,000 meters from the runway threshold, the left engine struck the animal. The impact caused substantial damage to the left engine's nose, inner, and outer cowlings, as well as the generator cowling. The collision also damaged the left wing's leading-edge kruger flap link and caused a deep cut in the left inboard main wheel tire. The pilots immediately stopped the aircraft and shut down the affected engine. Despite the damage, all occupants disembarked safely via air stairs at the apron without injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances allowing the animal to enter the movement area and the condition of the aircraft's recording equipment. Investigators found that the cockpit voice recorder was unserviceable due to a badly deformed tape, which prevented the recovery of useful audio data.
Regarding the aerodrome, the inquiry established that Mopah Airport failed to meet ICAO Annex 14 and Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) 139 standards. At the time of the accident, only 30% of the airport's perimeter was fenced, leaving the movement area vulnerable to incursions by animals and unauthorized persons.
Findings
- The collision with the cow was unavoidable by the flight crew.
- The airport perimeter lacked adequate fencing or other barriers to prevent large animals from entering the runway area.
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation's oversight had not ensured compliance with international and national standards regarding wildlife hazard management.
- The aircraft was airworthy and properly maintained prior to departure.
- The cockpit voice recorder was non-functional, hindering the analysis of cockpit communications.