Introduction
On 21 July 2023, a Cessna 208B EX aircraft, registered PK-SNI, operated by PT Smart Cakrawala Aviation (Smart Aviation), was involved in a serious incident during landing at Bilorai Airport, Sugapa, Papua. The aircraft was performing an unscheduled passenger cargo flight.
Flight History
The flight was the third of the day for the pilots, originating from Douw Aturure Airport, Nabire (WABI), to Bilorai Airport (WAYB). The aircraft departed Nabire at 0045 UTC (0945 LT) and cruised at 9,500 feet. On board were two pilots, five passengers, and 1,003 kg of cargo. 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 descent. Approximately 10 nautical miles from Bilorai Airport, near waypoint Bilai, the pilots contacted airport personnel who reported clear weather and calm wind. The PIC conducted an approach briefing, and the SIC read the approach and final checklists.
At the final approach, at about 7,400 feet (160 feet above runway elevation), the ground speed was approximately 98 knots, with indicated airspeed of 89 knots. Headwind was about 4 knots, and crosswind from the right was about 3 knots. The runway was reported clear of traffic.
Landing and Runway Excursion
At approximately 0127 UTC (1027 LT), the aircraft touched down on the threshold area of Runway 09 at an indicated airspeed of about 85 knots. The PIC operated the propeller reverser. Shortly after touchdown, the PIC felt the aircraft tilt slightly to the left and suspected a left main landing gear tire burst. The PIC attempted to keep the aircraft on the runway centerline by applying maximum right rudder pedal, slightly deflecting the control column to the right, and moving the propeller lever to beta low idle several times. Despite these actions, the aircraft continued to veer left, exited the left side of the runway, and rolled onto wet and slippery grass. The aircraft came to a stop with the left main landing gear in a ditch.
Post-Incident Actions
The PIC shut down the aircraft engine and initiated evacuation of passengers and crew. No injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; no property or environmental damage occurred.
Investigation
At the time of the preliminary report, the Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT) had not been informed of any safety actions arising from this occurrence. The investigation was ongoing, and no safety recommendations had been issued. Further findings may be published as the investigation progresses.