What happened
On May 19, 2024, a Tecnam P2006T aircraft, registered PK-IFP, was conducting a scheduled joy flight from Pondok Cabe Airport to Tanjung Lesung. The flight was operated by Perkumpulan Penerbangan Indonesia (PPI) with one pilot and two passengers on board.
After an initial engine start difficulty earlier in the day that required mechanical rectification, the aircraft successfully completed a first leg to Tanjung Lesung. During the return flight, the aircraft departed Tanjung Lesung at 13:10 LT, climbing to 1,500 feet. While passing waypoint GOLFI, the aircraft began a descent. At 13:42 LT, the pilot transmitted a MAYDAY distress message to Halim Tower. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft was observed by witnesses performing a steep left roll of more than 45 degrees before diving. The aircraft crashed in a park near an open field, resulting in three fatalities. The impact destroyed the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators from the KNKT examined the flight sequence, aircraft maintenance records, and cockpit recordings. A key piece of evidence included video footage captured by a passenger on a mobile phone during the takeoff rolls of both the outbound and inbound legs. This footage provided insight into the cockpit's fuel quantity indicators.
Additionally, the investigation reviewed ATC surveillance data, which showed the aircraft's altitude dropping from 1,000 feet to 600 feet during the distress call, and eventually losing its Mode C signal. While the aircraft's GPS was capable of logging data, the SD card was not installed at the time of the accident. The investigation also included testing of the fuel supply, which was found to be within quality limits.
Findings
- The aircraft's left tank fuel quantity indicator was recorded as being below the zero value during both the initial takeoff from Pondok Cabe and the subsequent takeoff from Tanjung Lesung.
- Witnesses on the ground reported that the aircraft was flying at a low altitude and was notably silent, with no audible engine sound.
- The aircraft's descent was rapid, passing through 500 feet before the radar target disappeared.
- The aircraft was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and was flying in weather conditions that transitioned to rain shortly after the impact.