Introduction
On 9 February 2019, a Cessna 208B Caravan aircraft, registered PK-FSS, operated by PT. Spirit Avia Sentosa (FlyingSAS), was conducting a scheduled passenger flight from Tanah Merah Airport (WAKT) to Oksibil Airport (WAJO). The flight departed runway 07 at 2209 UTC (0709 local time) with two pilots and four passengers on board. Both pilots were qualified as pilots in command on the Cessna 208 aircraft type.
Flight History
During the climb, passing through 6,500 feet approximately 20 nautical miles from Tanah Merah, both pilots perceived a sudden acceleration. The pilot monitoring checked the engine parameters and observed a torque indication of approximately 2,400 psi, inlet turbine temperature (ITT) of 920°C, gas generator speed (Ng) of 109%, and fuel flow between 550 and 600 pounds per hour. The pilot in command attempted to reduce engine power by moving the power lever to idle, but found the lever moved freely without any reduction in engine power.
Emergency Response
At 2219 UTC, the crew decided to return to Tanah Merah and informed the Tanah Merah Tower controller. The controller approved the return and advised landing on runway 25, reporting calm wind, visibility 7 kilometers, and broken clouds at 2,000 feet. At 2221 UTC, the pilot reported being 11 nautical miles from Tanah Merah and intending to land without engine power. The crew executed the emergency procedure for engine failure in flight, maintaining an altitude of 7,000 feet until approximately 6 nautical miles from the airport. They then shut down the engine and continued the approach.
Outcome
The aircraft landed safely on runway 25 at 2228 UTC and came to a stop on taxiway Alpha, where passengers disembarked. No injuries occurred, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
Investigation
The Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT) is continuing the investigation. As of the preliminary report, no safety actions had been taken by the operator. The investigation was expected to be completed within 12 months of the occurrence date.