Overview
On 20 March 2018, a Super Decathlon 8KCAB aircraft, registered PK-RTZ, was being operated by Genesa Flying School for an aerobatic solo flight exercise. The flight was intended to prepare for a flight demonstration during a graduation ceremony for student pilots.
Flight History
The aircraft departed Tunggul Wulung Airport, Cilacap, at 0020 UTC (0720 Western Indonesia Time) along with three Cessna 172 aircraft (registered PK-RTA, PK-RTF, and PK-RTW). After departure, the four aircraft conducted a formation flight and a fly pass exercise. Upon completion of the formation flight, the three Cessna aircraft landed and held at the end of runway 31, while PK-RTZ continued with its aerobatic flight exercise. The plan was for PK-RTZ to land and then taxi together with the other aircraft to the apron.
Aerobatic Maneuvers
The aerobatic flight exercise lasted approximately 2.5 minutes. Based on amateur video footage, the pilot performed a series of aerobatic maneuvers including a Loop, Cuban Eight, Split-S, and Cloverleaf. This was the first aerobatic exercise conducted at Tunggul Wulung.
Damage
During the aerobatic sequence, the aircraft struck a hangar. The impact resulted in damage to the aircraft and to several other aircraft parked on the apron and inside the hangar. The extent of damage was documented in the investigation report.
Investigation
The accident was investigated by the Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT). The investigation analyzed the flight maneuvers and ground marks, including propeller scratch marks, to reconstruct the event. Amateur video footage was also reviewed.