10 fatalities

Fatal Skydiving Flight Crash in Serpong (PK-SPG)

Serpong, IndonesiaTakeoff (climb)

On May 18, 1986, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration PK-SPG) operated by Indonesian Aero-Sports Association was involved in an aviation accident near Serpong, Indonesia during takeoff. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in Serpong shortly after takeoff from Pondok Cabe Airport during a skydiving flight, killing all 10 occupants. The official investigation attributed the accident to an engine failure of unknown cause.

Incident Overview and Flight Details A twin-engine aircraft was operating a local skydiving flight when it departed from Pondok Cabe Airport. The flight was in its initial climb phase when the incident occurred. The aircraft was carrying a total of 10 occupants at the time of the accident. The specific aircraft type, registration, operator, and exact date of the incident are not provided in the official source material. ## Accident Sequence and Impact Location Minutes after takeoff, one of the aircraft's engines failed while the plane was climbing. Following the engine failure, the aircraft lost altitude and subsequently crashed in the Serpong area. The crash site was located approximately 11 kilometers west of the departure airfield. All 10 people on board the aircraft were killed in the accident. ## Official Investigation Findings The official accident investigation determined that the probable cause of the crash was an engine failure. The investigation did not identify a specific mechanical or operational reason for the failure, classifying the cause as unknown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 May 1986 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Serpong, Indonesia?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in Serpong shortly after takeoff from Pondok Cabe Airport during a skydiving flight, killing all 10 occupants. The official investigation attributed the accident to an engine failure of unknown cause.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 May 1986 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 May 1986 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration PK-SPG, operated by Indonesian Aero-Sports Association, at Serpong, Indonesia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure for unknown reasons