Introduction
On 19 June 2018, an ATR 72-212 aircraft registered PK-WHF, operated by Wings Abadi Airlines (Wings Air) as flight IW1370, was on a scheduled passenger flight from Supadio International Airport, Pontianak, with the intended destination of Tebelian Airport (WIOS), Sintang. The aircraft inadvertently landed at Susilo Airport, which had been closed for operations.
Flight History
Prior to departure, the Pilot in Command (PIC) received flight documents from the Flight Operation Officer (FOO) in Pontianak. No briefing was given regarding the closure of Susilo Airport or the relocation of operations to Tebelian Airport. The information available in the aircraft library and on the website (aimindonesia.dephub.go.id) contained data for Susilo Airport, which had been closed since 26 April 2018. The information for Tebelian Airport was available via an AIP Supplement link on the same website.
The pilot reviewed the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) related to Sintang Aerodrome and noted changes in airport data such as elevation, threshold runway elevation, and Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) identification and frequency. These changes were compared with the Airport Visual Guidance (AVG) provided by the operator, which was published on 2 March 2018 and effective from 9 March 2018.
At 0805 LT (0105 UTC), under daylight and Visual Flight Rules (VFR), the aircraft departed from Pontianak. The flight proceeded directly to the Sintang NDB identified as SG. At 0825 LT, the pilot contacted the Aerodrome Communication Officer (ACO) on frequency 124.2 MHz using the call sign "Susilo Info." The ACO responded with the call sign "Tebelian Info." The pilot reported the aircraft's position, altitude, and estimated time of arrival (ETA) for Sintang as 0851 LT.
At 0844 LT, the pilot reported being 5 minutes out, descending through 2,600 feet. Prior to landing, the pilot did not recall seeing a white cross mark on the runway, which would indicate the runway was closed or unserviceable. The aircraft landed on runway 08 of Susilo Airport.
Contributing Factors
The investigation concluded that the contributing factors of the serious incident were:
- Reassignment of the location indicator WIOS, NDB, and AFIS VHF frequency, in conjunction with an incomplete departure briefing, unawareness of the content of AIP Supplement number 07/18, and out-of-date information in the file management system, made the pilots unaware that Susilo Airport had been closed for operation and that a new airport had been established.
- The unfinished crossed white mark and the appearance of all normal runway markings led the pilot to continue the landing at Susilo Airport.
Safety Actions and Recommendations
The Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT) was informed of safety actions taken by Wings Abadi Airlines. The KNKT issued safety recommendations to Wings Abadi Airlines, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Sintang Airport Operator to address identified safety issues.