North Kalimantan Governor Expresses Condolences Over Pelita Air Crash in Krayan
Tanjung Selor — North Kalimantan Governor Zainal A. Paliwang has conveyed his condolences and concern over the crash of a Pelita Air Service AT-802 cargo aircraft at Pa’ Belaban, in the Pa’ Betung area of East Krayan sub-district, Nunukan, on Thursday (19 February).
“As governor and on behalf of the North Kalimantan Provincial Government, I am deeply saddened by the failed take-off of the Pertamina fuel-transport aircraft,” Zainal said in Tanjung Selor on Friday.
Zainal said the ill-fated incident occurred after the aircraft, laden with four tonnes of fuel, departed from Yuvai Semaring Airport bound for Tarakan.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May the deceased rest in peace, having fallen in the line of duty for the nation,” he said.
The Governor noted that Captain Hendrick Lodewyck Adam (54), who perished in the crash, had been tasked with transporting fuel to communities in border and remote areas — a mission he described as a duty of the state.
“To the bereaved family, may you be granted fortitude and strength through this ordeal,” he said.
Anang Busra Air Base Commander Air Vice-Marshal Andreas A. Dhewo said the incident occurred while the aircraft was serving a fuel-transport route from Tarakan to Krayan.
“The aircraft was crewed by a single pilot, and based on the evacuation at the site, the pilot was found deceased,” he said.
The aircraft, registered as PK-PAA on flight number PAS 7107, departed Tarakan at 12.10 local time (WITA) using runway 22.
At the time of departure, weather conditions included light rain with visibility of approximately six kilometres. Low cloud was reported as broken at 1,400 feet, with a temperature of 23.9 degrees Celsius.
“Moments later, eyewitnesses observed the aircraft descending at a tilted angle towards the hills at the end of runway 22,” he explained.
At approximately 12.25 WITA, eyewitnesses near Yuvai Semaring Airport in Krayan saw the aircraft descending at an angle towards the hills behind the approach end of runway 22.
The AirNav unit at Long Bawan then coordinated with airport authorities. At 12.27 WITA, a Susi Air aircraft about to enter the Krayan area decided to return to Malinau due to worsening weather.
The Susi Air pilot detected an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal within a radius of approximately five kilometres from the direction of the final approach to runway 22.
“A joint team together with local residents immediately moved to the location, and the aircraft was found at 14.33 WITA,” he said.
The aircraft was discovered in a destroyed state in the hilly terrain. The pilot, the sole crew member on board, was pronounced dead.
Evacuation was carried out manually given the challenging terrain. At 15.20 WITA, the remains were transported to the local hospital.