Flight Sequence
On 9 May 2023, a Cessna 208 aircraft, registered PK-HVG, operated by PT Marta Buana Abadi (Dimonim Air) conducted an unscheduled cargo flight from Nop Goliat Dekai Airport (WAVD) to Yabi airstrip in Papua. The aircraft and its two pilots were stationed in Wamena. The day's schedule included segments from Wamena to Dekai, then to Yabi, back to Dekai, and finally to Wamena.
At 2139 UTC (0639 LT), the aircraft departed Wamena and arrived in Dekai at 2204 UTC. The pilot supervised cargo loading and performed a pre-flight walk-around, observing no signs of airframe failure or system malfunction. According to an officer in Yabi, light rain had fallen the night before, but the morning of the occurrence was clear, with visibility of 10 km and calm winds.
The aircraft departed Dekai for Yabi at 2240 UTC under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The Pilot in Command (PIC) acted as Pilot Flying (PF) and the Second in Command (SIC) as Pilot Monitoring (PM). The flight was uneventful until arrival at Yabi.
At 2258 UTC, the aircraft reached Yabi. The pilot conducted a flyover and then entered a K-point with landing configuration: fully extended flaps and a speed of approximately 80 knots. The aircraft proceeded to an abort-point and continued with the landing.
At 2300 UTC, the aircraft landed on the upslope runway. During the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed and folded back. A pothole from the nose wheel was observed on soggy ground about 130 meters from the touchdown point. The aircraft veered to the right. The pilot applied full brake and left rudder to regain control, but the aircraft continued moving uncontrollably to the right. The pilot then reduced power and cut off the fuel by closing the fuel valve. The aircraft collided with a large rock, causing the propeller to detach from the engine power drive, and the aircraft stopped.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported among the occupants. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including bent propeller blades, a collapsed nose landing gear, and damage to the forward cargo door, engine cowling, and exhaust.
Investigation Findings
The Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT) investigation identified safety issues: the absence of Yabi airstrip information in the company's Operation Manual, and discrepancies between actual airstrip data and the airstrip chart held by the pilot.
Safety Recommendations
KNKT issued safety recommendations to Dimonim Air to provide pilots with sufficient and accurate references, including all relevant information about Yabi airstrip and guidance for Dekai to Yabi operations.