History of the Flight
On 25 February 2020, a Boeing B737-300 cargo aircraft, registration PK-YSG, operated by PT. Trigana Air Service as flight TGN 7341, was scheduled to fly from Sentani International Airport, Papua to Wamena Airport, Papua. The flight was the first of four scheduled round trips between Sentani and Wamena that day. The Pilot in Command (PIC) acted as Pilot Flying (PF) and the Second in Command (SIC) acted as Pilot Monitoring (PM). On board were two pilots, two passengers, and 16,645 kg of cargo, for a total load of 16,965 kg.
At 0722 LT, the Sentani Tower controller issued push back and start clearances. After engine start, the PM requested taxi clearance, which was issued at 0725 LT. At 0748 LT, takeoff clearance was issued with a departure heading of 270° and an initial altitude of 8,000 feet.
During the takeoff roll, approximately two seconds after the PM called out 80 knots, the pilots felt aircraft vibration that became severe as speed increased. When the aircraft reached about 110 knots, the PF decided to reject the takeoff and reported that the aircraft direction could not be controlled and braking was ineffective.
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage showed that seconds after the rejected takeoff, the aircraft skidded longitudinally with the nose headed to the right. The aircraft then veered right, exited the runway, and continued moving on the right runway shoulder. After crossing taxiway D, the aircraft speed decreased while turning approximately 360°. The aircraft came to a stop on the right runway shoulder about 1,600 meters from the beginning of runway 30, on a heading of 270°.
Runway examination revealed oscillating wheel marks from both main landing gears starting approximately 500 meters from the beginning of runway 30, continuing to the aircraft's final position.
Aircraft Information
The accident aircraft was a Boeing B737-300, registration PK-YSG, operated by PT. Trigana Air Service. No further details on engine configuration or maintenance history were provided in the preliminary report.
Injuries to Persons
The preliminary report does not provide information on injuries to persons.
Damage to Aircraft
The report notes damage including scratch marks on the lower fuselage, a broken VHF antenna number 2, a dent on the right engine inlet cowl, and damage to the left and right main landing gear components, including broken torsion links and shimmy damper pistons. The exact extent of damage is not fully detailed in this preliminary report.
Safety Actions and Recommendations
The operator informed KNKT of safety actions taken following the accident. The KNKT acknowledged these actions but noted remaining safety issues. Safety recommendations were issued to PT. Trigana Air Service and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The investigation is ongoing.