What happened
On 10 June 2013, a scheduled passenger flight operated by PT. Merpati Nusantara Airlines, identified as MZ 6517, was traveling from Bajawa Airport to El Tari Airport in Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur. The aircraft, a Xi’An MA60 with registration PK-M0 , was carrying 46 passengers (including one infant) and a crew of four.
During the approach to El Tari Airport, the flight crew maintained communication with the control tower, receiving weather updates and landing instructions for runway 07. The flight proceeded under visual meteorological conditions. As the aircraft transitioned from the left base leg to the final approach, the tower issued landing clearance.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft traveled approximately 58 meters along the runway before the flight ended at a point 261 meters from the runway threshold. Flight data recorder analysis indicated that the left power lever was in BETA MODE at an altitude of 112 feet, with the right power lever following at 90 feet just before ground impact. The aircraft experienced significant vertical deceleration during the event. Following the stop, the crew initiated an evacuation via the rear main entrance.
Findings
- The incident resulted in one pilot and four passengers sustaining serious injuries.
- The aircraft's power lever configuration, specifically the left power lever being in BETA MODE during the final moments of descent, was noted in the flight data.