Indonesian investigators blamed pilot error Tuesday for the deadly Mount Salak Sukhoi Superjet 100 crash on 9 May 2012 which killed all 45 on board. The National Transport Safety Committee (KNKT) found that the aircraft's terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS), which aims to prevent "Controlled Flight Into Terrain" (CFIT) accidents, had sent a 'terrain ahead' warning before the crash, followed by six 'avoid terrain' warnings which were totally ignored by the pilot in command.
The crash could have been avoided if a recovery action was carried out within 24 seconds from the first warning, but instead, the pilot switched the TAWS off assuming that there was a database problem. Besides this, the voice data recorder of the plane has revealed that a potential buyer had been in the cockpit for 38 minutes to discuss the jet's fuel usage. This caused "diversion of attention" during which the plane flew off course. Prior to crash, at 14:21 (07:21 UTC), the crew requested permission to descend from 10,000 feet (3,000 m) to 6,000 feet (1,800 m) for unclear reasons, which was granted. KNKT cleared the Indonesian air traffic controller who has granted the descend as transport ministry earlier said permission to descend was given near a clearing where planes can descend to 3,000 feet.
The National Transport Safety Committee (KNKT) has also absolved Sukhoi of responsibility for the crash, ruling out technical failures in its report. According to KNKT all the warning systems were working well, and that a "Landing Gear Not Down" alert was sent out seven seconds before the crash, indicating it was less than 800 feet from the ground without its wheels lowered. The safety board's findings clear the way for the company to begin delivery of 42 aircraft to two local carriers, Kartika Airlines and Sky Aviation, with each jet priced at around $30 million.
Sukhoi Superjet 100 is developed by Russian plane maker Sukhoi and there are 42 orders for the plane all from Indonesia. Although the accident was a blow to Russia's bid to improve the image of its aviation industry, Indonesia last month deemed the Superjet 100 technically fit for its skies, and the jet has already been certified as airworthy in Europe.
The crash could have been avoided if a recovery action was carried out within 24 seconds from the first warning, but instead, the pilot switched the TAWS off assuming that there was a database problem. Besides this, the voice data recorder of the plane has revealed that a potential buyer had been in the cockpit for 38 minutes to discuss the jet's fuel usage. This caused "diversion of attention" during which the plane flew off course. Prior to crash, at 14:21 (07:21 UTC), the crew requested permission to descend from 10,000 feet (3,000 m) to 6,000 feet (1,800 m) for unclear reasons, which was granted. KNKT cleared the Indonesian air traffic controller who has granted the descend as transport ministry earlier said permission to descend was given near a clearing where planes can descend to 3,000 feet.
The National Transport Safety Committee (KNKT) has also absolved Sukhoi of responsibility for the crash, ruling out technical failures in its report. According to KNKT all the warning systems were working well, and that a "Landing Gear Not Down" alert was sent out seven seconds before the crash, indicating it was less than 800 feet from the ground without its wheels lowered. The safety board's findings clear the way for the company to begin delivery of 42 aircraft to two local carriers, Kartika Airlines and Sky Aviation, with each jet priced at around $30 million.
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| Sukhoi Superjet 100 |
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