What happened
On 9 April 2014, a Kodiak-100 aircraft, registration PK-SDF, operated by PT. Adventist Aviation Indonesia, was attempting a non-scheduled flight from Doyo Baru Airstrip to Ninia, Papua. The flight was carrying one pilot and six passengers. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to become airborne and subsequently impacted several objects, eventually coming to a stop 30 meters beyond the end of the runway. A post-impact fire damaged the nose section of the aircraft. The accident resulted in two fatalities, including the pilot, and five serious injuries among the remaining occupants.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's configuration and the pilot's actions during the takeoff roll. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the wing flap screw jacks were extended to a position corresponding to only 5° or 6°, whereas the required takeoff configuration was 20°. The investigation also found that the Emergency Power Lever (EPL) was in the full forward position. Metallographic analysis of the engine's compressor turbine blades indicated they had suffered damage due to excessive overtemperature occurring for a very short duration. This suggests the pilot may have engaged the EPL in an attempt to increase power when the aircraft failed to lift off at the expected point on the runway. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot also served as the company's Director of Board Management, which may have contributed to an increased workload and oversight challenges.
Findings
- The aircraft was in an incorrect takeoff configuration, with the wing flaps set to approximately 6° instead of the required 20°.
- The pilot attempted to use the Emergency Power Lever to recover the situation, which was an improper corrective action for the specific conditions encountered.
- The failure to achieve lift-off was primarily due to the delayed selection of the wing flaps, which did not occur until approximately 1,375 feet into the takeoff roll.
- The engine sustained damage due to a brief period of extreme overtemperature during the takeoff attempt.
Safety action
Following the accident, PT. Adventist Aviation Indonesia installed CCTV near the Doyo Baru runway to monitor takeoff procedures and pilot behavior. The operator also implemented measures to improve runway conditions and restrict unauthorized personnel from the area during operations. The KNKT issued recommendations to the Doyo Baru Airport Authority to review firefighting adequacy and to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to enhance surveillance and oversight of operator checklists and safety procedures.