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Tragic Crash of SAM Air DHC-6 Twin Otter in Indonesia Claims Four Lives

On the morning of October 20, 2024, a SAM Air-operated DHC-6 Twin Otter, registered as PK-SMH, tragically crashed during its approach to Bumi Panua Pohuwato Airport in Gorontalo Province, Indonesia. 

SAM Air-operated DHC-6 Twin Otter, registered as PK-SMH, tragically crashed
SAM Air-operated DHC-6 Twin Otter, registered as PK-SMH crashed

All four people on board, consisting of three crew members and one passenger, lost their lives.

  • Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024
  • Location: Gorontalo Province, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia
  • Phase: Approach to Bumi Panua Pohuwato Airport (WAFZ)
  • Aircraft Type: de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 300
  • Registration: PK-SMH
  • Owner/Operator: SAM Air
  • Fatalities: 4 (3 crew members, 1 passenger)
  • Aircraft Damage: Destroyed, written off

Timeline of Events

The aircraft departed from Gorontalo-Jalaluddin Airport (GTO) at 07:02 local time, embarking on a scheduled short-haul flight to Bumi Panua Pohuwato Airport. The flight, which was expected to be routine, took a fatal turn during its final approach to runway 27.

At around 07:22, the Twin Otter lost contact with air traffic control. It crashed into a waterlogged field near the airport, causing the complete destruction of the aircraft.

Investigative Efforts Underway

The investigation has launched into the crash. However, current information is limited to reports from news outlets and unofficial sources.

Local media have noted that the aircraft had no prior issues reported during takeoff and early stages of flight.

Weather conditions during the flight are being evaluated as part of the investigation.

SAM Air and the Aircraft

The Twin Otter involved in the accident, manufactured in 1980, was powered by two P&W Canada PT6A-27 engines. SAM Air, an Indonesian regional airline, has been providing passenger services in remote areas.





Local Impact

The tragic event has deeply affected the local community. Rescue operations were quickly dispatched, and authorities are working on recovering the wreckage and documenting the incident site. No other fatalities on the ground have been reported.

This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges involved in regional air transportation, especially in difficult terrains like Sulawesi. As the investigation continues, more details will be forthcoming regarding the causes of this tragic accident.

Sources:

  • Antara News
  • Kompas
  • Tribun News
  • ASN

Social Media


#Hashtags

#AirspaseNews #Airspace_News  #Airspase #News #AviationNews #AviationAccident  #SAMAirCrash #TwinOtterAccident #AviationSafety #IndonesiaAviation #NTSCInvestigation #AirCrash2024 #AviationNews #SulawesiCrash #GorontaloAccident #AviationDisaster #BumiPanuaAirport #AirSafety

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Location: FWHX+Q4G, Teratai, Marisa, Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo 96265, Indonesia

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