Pilot killed in plane crash

JAKARTA (JP): A Twin Otter passenger plane belonging to the state-owned airline Merpati Nusantara Airlines crashed yesterday after taking off from Bintuni airstrip in Manokwari regency, Irian Jaya, killing the pilot and causing severe injuries to two other crew members and two of the 14 passengers.

Antara reported that pilot Julian Charles died on the scene while co-pilot Mahdy and flight mechanic were in a critical condition.

Two passengers were badly injured, while the other 12 suffered minor injuries. All were being treated at a nearby community health center yesterday.

The plane was destined for the town of Manokwari when the accident occurred. The front part of the plane was crushed, witnesses said.

The chief administrator of Manokwari's Rendani airport, Luther Woppy, said the runway was slippery at the time. The plane hit a tree before nosediving into the tarmac, he added, citing preliminary reports. (emb)