What happened
On 6 March 2008, a Transall C-160, registration PK-VTQ, was performing an unscheduled cargo flight from Sentani to Wamena, Papua. While the approach and landing were initially normal, the crew discovered that the Beta lights failed to illuminate during the landing roll. This malfunction prevented the use of reverse thrust, forcing the pilots to rely on maximum braking to decelerate the aircraft.
As the aircraft backtracked toward taxiway “E”, the air traffic controller alerted the crew to heavy smoke emanating from the left main wheels and activated the airport crash alarm. The crew stopped the aircraft on the taxiway and disembarked. Although the flight engineer attempted to suppress the flames with a handheld extinguisher, the fire intensified, eventually consuming the aircraft and its cargo of fuel drums.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found evidence of molten metal along the left wheel tracks on both the runway and the taxiway. The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the braking system and the effectiveness of the airport's emergency response.
While the extreme fire damage prevented a definitive assessment of the brake pad condition, the inquiry established that the intense use of brakes without reverse thrust assistance led to significant overheating. Evidence suggested that a failure in a brake cylinder or hydraulic line likely allowed pressurized hydraulic fluid to act as a propellant for the fire.
Findings
- The failure of the Beta lights precluded the use of reverse thrust during the landing roll.
- The left main wheels' brakes overheated due to the necessity of using maximum braking action to stop the aircraft.
- The fire likely originated in the left main landing gear brake assembly, fueled by pressurized hydraulic fluid.
- The airport's Rescue Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) took 10 minutes to reach the aircraft and an additional 5 minutes to begin applying foam.
- There was no established Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in place for Wamena Airport at the time of the accident.
Safety action
Following the accident, the operator, PT. Manunggal Air Service, implemented a recommendation to phase out the Transall C-160 from its fleet, effective July 2009. Additionally, the NTSC issued recommendations to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to review RFFS equipment at Wamena to ensure compliance with ICAO Annex 14 and to establish a formal Emergency Response Plan.