What happened
On 16 November 2011, a Cessna 172 operated by PT. Nusa Flying International was conducting a cross-country training exercise from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport toward Cirebon and Budiarto. The flight, carrying one flight instructor and two student pilots, was planned under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
During the flight, the pilot requested an increase in altitude to 7500 feet to avoid deteriorating weather conditions. While the crew had maintained regular communication with air traffic services, the aircraft disappeared from radar at 01:40 UTC. Following a search operation by the National Search and Rescue Agency, the wreckage of PK-NIP was located on 28 November 2011 on the slopes of Mount Ceremai at an elevation of approximately 2400 meters. All three occupants sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight path, weather conditions, and the wreckage of the aircraft. Evidence from the site indicated that the engine was still functioning at the time of impact, as evidenced by scratch marks on the propeller leading edge. The wreckage showed severe damage to the forward section and wing leading edges, with the engine buried in the ground.
Investigators also noted that the aircraft's Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) was improperly installed using only double-sided tape rather than proper fasteners. This improper installation caused the antenna to detach from the unit during the impact, which prevented the transmission of a distress signal to search and rescue authorities.
Findings
- The aircraft was in a level flight configuration at the time of impact.
- A ground witness observed the aircraft entering a cloud bank shortly before hearing the sound of an impact.
- The pilot's attempt to avoid clouds likely resulted in loss of visual reference to the terrain.
- The flight was being conducted under VFR, but the aircraft entered IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) by flying into clouds, violating required weather minimums.
- There were no signs of mechanical failure or in-flight malfunction.
Safety action
The NTSC issued a recommendation to the operator, PT. Nusa Flying International, to ensure that adequate weather information is provided for every flight and to emphasize that VFR operations must be strictly maintained within Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).