What happened
On 11 August 2018, a PAC 750XL aircraft, registration PK-HVQ, was performing an unscheduled passenger flight from Tanah Merah to Oksibil in Papua, Indonesia. The flight was operated by PT. Marta Buana Abadi (Dimonim Air) and carried one pilot, one observer, and seven passengers.
At the time of the flight, meteorological conditions at Oksibil were below the minimum requirements for Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Despite the poor visibility, the pilot proceeded with the flight, noting that other aircraft had successfully completed similar routes recently. During the approach, the aircraft struck Menuk Mountain, resulting in all 9 occupants perishing in the crash.
The investigation
The KNKT investigation focused on the aircraft's navigation and warning systems, as well as the regulatory oversight of the operator and the availability of meteorological data. Investigators examined the aircraft's equipment, specifically the Garmin GNS 430 GPS units and the Bendix/King KMD 540 Multi-Function Display.
The inquiry also reviewed the oversight activities of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regarding the certification of the aircraft's terrain warning capabilities. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the lack of active automated weather reporting at Oksibil Aerodrome, which relied solely on air traffic controller observations and pilot reports during the accident.