Cessna crashes in East Kalimantan

TARAKAN, East Kalimantan: A small aircraft belonging to the Mission Aviation Fellowship, a Christian mission, crashed in Long Kayu, Bulungan regency, East Kalimantan on Friday, Antara reported.

The pilot of the Cessna 206, Willy Budiono, who was also the only passenger, survived the accident but was badly injured. He was brought to Jakarta after receiving medical treatment at the Tarakan Hospital.

Head of the Juata Tarakan airport, Zainuddin CM, said that the plane crashed Friday afternoon in the border areas of East Kalimantan and Sabah, East Malaysia, a few minutes after taking off.

The plane was en route to Malinau and carrying supplies for the mission. It developed engine trouble several minutes after taking off.

The pilot tried to return to the airport but, a few seconds before reaching the runway, lost control of the aircraft.

Zainuddin said that his office would wait until their investigation was completed before announcing if the accident was caused by human error or poor weather. (05)