What happened
On 23 May 2023, a Cessna 208B, registration PK-BVU, operated by PT Asi Pudjiastuti Aviation (Susi Air), was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Padang to Rokot. During the approach, the crew attempted to contact the local Aeronautical Communication Officer (ACO) but received no response, leading the pilots to believe that flight information services were unavailable.
While flying at 1,000 feet to assess the airfield, the pilot noticed a new runway (designated 14-32) positioned near the existing Runway 17-35. Because the new runway featured clearer threshold and touchdown markings, the pilot elected to land on it. Upon touchdown on Runway 14, the crew discovered construction materials scattered across the runway strip and noted the absence of ground personnel. The aircraft and the five passengers on board were unharmed, and no damage was sustained to the aircraft.
The investigation
The KNKT investigation revealed that the pilots had reviewed available NOTAMs prior to departure but found no specific warnings regarding the new runway. While a NOTAM existed for work near Runway 17, it did not adequately warn of the existence of the new, undesignated Runway 14-32. Furthermore, the investigation found that the airport's official registration had expired in late 2022, and there were discrepancies between published and actual operational hours for the flight information service.
Findings
- The crew landed on an undesignated runway because the new runway's markings were more prominent than the active runway's markings.
- The existing NOTAM was insufficient to alert pilots to the presence of the new runway strip.
- There was a lack of communication due to the unavailability of the ACO at the time of arrival.
- The airport's regulatory documentation, including its Airport Register, was out of date.
- The investigation noted that the SD card required for flight data logging was not inserted in the aircraft's GPS, preventing data retrieval for safety analysis.
Safety action
- The KNKT recommended that the Rokot Airport operator review NOTAM content and duration to ensure pilot awareness of new runway construction.
- Recommendations were made to AirNav Indonesia to align published operational hours with actual service availability and to ensure adequate staffing levels.
- The KNKT advised the DGCA to review regulations regarding closed runway markings and to establish formal supervision procedures for new airport construction.