What happened
On 25 October 2021, a Cessna 208 Caravan, registration PK-SNN, was performing an unscheduled cargo flight from Timika to Ilaga in the Puncak district of Papua, Indonesia. The aircraft, operated by PT. Smart Cakrawlar Aviation, was carrying 2,352 lbs of cargo and a crew of two pilots.
During the approach to Ilaga Airport, the runway environment was obscured by ground fog. Witnesses on the airfield noted that two preceding aircraft had already aborted their approaches and performed go-arounds due to the visibility conditions. At approximately 0725 LT, the Cessna 208 Caravan attempted to land on Runway 25 but struck an embankment roughly 15 meters before the runway threshold. The aircraft came to a halt approximately 90 meters from the start of the runway. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft. While the second in command survived with injuries, the pilot in command was rendered unconscious by the impact and later passed away at a medical facility.
The investigation
The KNKT investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy and within its weight and balance limits at the time of the accident. There were no indications of mechanical or engine failure prior to the impact. Video footage and eyewitness accounts confirmed that ground fog was covering the short final area of the runway. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was not equipped with flight data or cockpit voice recorders, as they were not required by local regulations.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating within its approved weight and balance envelope.
- The pilot attempted to land despite ground fog covering the runway threshold, which was contrary to established company safety procedures.
- Two other aircraft had successfully executed go-arounds at the same airport just prior to the accident due to the same visibility issues.
- There was no evidence of in-flight malfunction or fire.
Safety action
- The KNKT has recommended that the operator, PT. Smart Cakrawala Aviation, implement a more robust system to ensure that company weather minimums and operating procedures are strictly followed by flight crews to prevent landing attempts in sub-minimum visibility.