Abnormal Runway Contact, Nasional Global Aviasi (Cessna C208B Pk-Nga); Fentheik Airstrip, Papua, KNKT.23.05.06.04

On 11 May 2023, a Cessna 208B aircraft, registered PK-NGA was operated by PT. Nasional Global Aviasi (NGA) for commercial non-scheduled passenger and cargo flight at Papua area.

At 1039 LT, on daylight condition, the aircraft departed from Dekai to Fenteheik following a flight plan route stored in the aircraft Global Positioning System (GPS). The aircraft flew at a cruising altitude of 11,700 feet. On board the aircraft were two pilots and 805 kilograms of cargo. The Pilot in Command (PIC) acted as Pilot Flying (PF) and the Second in Command (SIC) acted as Pilot Monitoring (PM).

The aircraft entered Key Point of Fenteheik on landing configuration with the flaps fully extended and IAS of 80 knots. The aircraft passed Key Point at altitude of 6,400 feet. The visibility was good and the wind was calm.

Both of pilots were aware that the aircraft was still too high as the route guidance published by the company requires pilots to pass the Key Point at an altitude of 6,100 feet. The PIC considered that it was not possible to abort the landing approach after passed the Key Point due to the high terrain surrounding the airstrip.

At 11:04:22 LT, the aircraft touched down Runway 17. During the touchdown, rate of descent recorded about 1,200 fpm, the IAS was 85 knots, and the aircraft pitch was 0.57°. The aircraft bounced two times and during the third touchdown the nose gear was collapsed. The aircraft stopped at approximately 352 meters from the beginning of Runway 17. Both pilots evacuated by themselves from the aircraft.

At the time of issuing this investigation report, the KNKT had been informed of safety actions resulting from this occurrence taken by the aircraft operator. The KNKT acknowledged the safety actions taken by the aircraft operator and considered that the corrective safety actions were relevant to improve safety. Therefore, the KNKT did not issue safety recommendations.

The investigation is continuing, should any further relevant safety issues emerge during the investigation, KNKT will immediately bring the issues to the attention of the relevant parties and publish as required.