Introduction
On 16 July at 0332 hours local time, an aircraft departed from Mokmer aerodrome on the island of Biak for a scheduled transport flight to Manila. The aircraft carried nine crew members and fifty-nine passengers.
Flight Details
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot requested the control tower operator to keep the runway lights on. Soon thereafter, the pilot asked for permission to perform a "low run" over the aerodrome. Both requests were granted.
Accident Sequence
Following the requests, the aircraft made a right turn and then a left turn, flying in a westerly direction back toward the aerodrome. During this approach, the aircraft gradually lost altitude. At 0336 local time, it crashed into the sea approximately one kilometer from the shore. Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames, broke apart, and sank immediately.
Rescue
Eleven passengers and one stewardess were rescued from the wreckage. The stewardess and one of the surviving passengers later died in the hospital.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The investigation board concluded that the accident was caused either by pilot error or by a technical failure. The board was unable to determine whether the accident resulted from a combination of both factors. Additionally, the board expressed the opinion that low runs should not be performed by aircraft on scheduled services, noting that the danger inherent in proximity to the ground during takeoff and landing should not be unnecessarily increased by flying at low altitude.