Factual Information
On 9 September 2014, a Cessna C208B, registration PK-RSC, operated by PT Enggang Air Service, was conducting an unscheduled VFR flight from Sentani Airport to Mulia Airport, Papua. The aircraft was airworthy and within weight and balance limits, with no reported system abnormalities prior to the occurrence. There were 11 occupants on board, including two pilots.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft departed Sentani at 0230 UTC, cruising at 10,000 feet, with an estimated arrival at Mulia at 0345 UTC. The pilot in command acted as pilot flying, while the first officer served as pilot monitoring. This was the pilot in command's second flight to Mulia.
During descent, the pilot contacted Mulia Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) and received information that the final approach and gap area within about 2 nautical miles of runway 08 were clear, with a westerly wind of 8 knots. Mulia Airport is located at an elevation of approximately 5,500 feet and has a 10% upslope runway, which is normally covered by clouds during the afternoon.
Prior to landing on runway 08, the crew performed an approach briefing and checklist. Landing procedures were completed at about 6,000 feet (approximately 500 feet above ground level), with the aircraft aligned with the runway. The aircraft touched down within the touchdown zone, then bounced and floated. After a second touchdown, the aircraft began to veer left. The pilot applied reverse thrust and braking, but the aircraft continued to veer left.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft came to a stop on the left side of the runway. The left main landing gear and nose landing gear were damaged and had sunk into soft soil. The engine was shut down, and passengers disembarked normally. No persons were injured.
Investigation Findings
The investigation concluded that contributing factors to the serious incident were:
- The illusion of the runway condition resulted in the pilot misinterpreting the situation and performing a late flare, causing the bounce.
- The recovery action performed by the pilot resulted in forces that moved the aircraft further left, making it difficult to return to the runway centerline.
Safety Recommendations
The Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT) issued safety recommendations to PT Enggang Air Service, including ensuring proper standard callouts, implementation of Company Operating Manual Chapter 6 page 6-48, and reviewing cornering landing techniques to ensure pilot proficiency. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation was recommended to oversee the implementation of these actions.