On December 21, 1975, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration PK-PPD) operated by Pelita Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Burangrang, Indonesia in flight. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a mountain slope during descent while flying in poor weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine airplane crashed into the side of Mount Burangrang while approaching Bandung-Husein Sastranegara Airport, resulting in no survivors.
What happened
During an approach to Bandung-Huselin Sastranegara Airport, a twin engine airplane collided with the terrain. The accident occurred while the aircraft was descending toward its destination under conditions of poor visibility and adverse weather. The impact took place on the slope of Mount Burangrang, which has an elevation of 2,064 meters, situated approximately 14 km north of the airfield.
The collision resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were eight fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft, with no survivors reported from the crash site.
Findings
The flight was operating in poor weather conditions during the descent phase.
The aircraft struck a mountain slope located near the airport approach path.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck a mountain slope during descent while flying in poor weather conditions.
What happened in the 21 Dec 1975 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Mt Burangrang, Indonesia?
A twin-engine airplane crashed into the side of Mount Burangrang while approaching Bandung-Husein Sastranegara Airport, resulting in no survivors.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Dec 1975 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Dec 1975 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration PK-PPD, operated by Pelita Air Service, at Mt Burangrang, Indonesia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft struck a mountain slope during descent while flying in poor weather conditions.
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