History of the Flight
On 26 January 2023, a Boeing 737-900ER registered PK-LFO, operated by PT Lion Mentari Airlines (Lion Air) as a scheduled passenger flight, was preparing for departure at Mopah Airport, Merauke, Indonesia. The crew consisted of a Pilot in Command (PIC), a Second in Command (SIC), and five flight attendants.
After flight preparation, the SIC requested engine start clearance from the tower controller, which was approved. The controller advised that Runway 34 was in use and instructed the crew to report when ready to taxi. Both pilots performed the engine start procedure, assisted by an aircraft engineer and a ground handling officer.
At 09:03 LT, the SIC requested taxi instructions and was cleared to taxi to Runway 34 via Taxiway B. The aircraft maneuvered using its own power without a towing tractor. As the aircraft began moving forward at 09:04:04 LT, it started turning left. At 09:04:11 LT, the controller instructed the crew to report when ready for departure. Approximately 30 seconds later, the right wingtip of the aircraft impacted the terminal building. Both pilots heard an unusual sound but were unaware of the collision and continued taxiing towards Runway 34.
Passengers seated near the right wing noticed the impact and informed a flight attendant, who relayed the information to the SIC. The PIC, monitoring the communication, asked the tower controller to check for damage to the right wingtip. The controller initially reported no observed damage but later received information from airport personnel that the aircraft had struck the terminal building. The controller relayed this to the pilots, and the PIC decided to return the aircraft to the apron.
Damage
The right wingtip of the aircraft was damaged, and the airport terminal building also sustained damage from the impact.
Personnel Information
The flight crew included a PIC and an SIC, along with five flight attendants. Ground personnel consisted of an aircraft engineer and a ground handling officer. The tower controller provided instructions throughout the event.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Boeing 737-900ER, registration PK-LFO, operated by Lion Air. It was conducting a scheduled passenger flight.
Aerodrome Information
The incident occurred at Mopah Airport, Merauke, Indonesia. The aircraft was maneuvering from the apron to Taxiway B when the wingtip struck the terminal building.
Flight Recorders
The investigation is continuing; the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) were recovered for analysis.
Safety Actions
Lion Air issued a notice to pilots following the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge.