The Aircraft Merpati is Missing in Papua

Appear allegations, many cases of aircraft lost due to the condition of the aircraft fleet have been worn.

As a result, the aircraft is not able to overcome the geographical and weather extremes Papua known. A large aircraft accident to become one of the indications.

Head of Public Communication Center Dephub Bambang Ervan turn the presumption. However, he acknowledges, a number of aircraft in the area of Papua old. However, it is not the main cause of accidents and loss of aircraft. ''This is not a matter of old or older. All aircraft are always checked before operating. And, all aircraft eligible to fly,''he said.

The aircraft was new, said Bambang, will not guarantee safe. Evidence, several cases of aircraft lost in Papua is the new fleet. One of them is the aircraft carrier logistics property Aviastar. This is not a matter of''fleet,''specifically.

Spokesperson KNKT JA West, said the incident is still researching. However, among the many cases that generally experienced by aircraft in Papua, most accidents that occur due to weather and geographical factors. Many events nyungsep plane because the pilot obstructed view of fog. In fact, in front of the aircraft already have the hill. The''subject to make them into the hills and mountains. That's a lot of cases that occur,''he said.

Papua Earth become vulnerable zone for the national airlines of the world. This time commercial Twin Otter aircraft owned by Merpati Airlines are reported lost contact at about 10:35 yesterday. Aircraft that fly to Oksibil, the capital of Kabupaten Star Mountain, from the Sentani Airport, Jayapura.

Twin Otter aircraft is a fifth who was reported missing and fallen since a year ago or four years ago. On 9 August 2008, aircraft belonging to Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) found in the surrounding mountains fall in Tolikara Regency, Papua. Dave Clapper, citizens of the United States, which is the fighter pilot was killed.

Then, on 9 April 2009, aircraft Aviastar PT Mandiri fell on the hill Wamena, Jayawijaya District. Six people are reported killed. Then, on 17 April 2009, aircraft passengers diversiform Pilate PC-6 signal loss and fall in Papua. Musing that killed ten people.

Until this news was revealed, fate unknown aircraft flight numbered with the title 9760D MZ stomach PK-NVC that. A small plane lost contact 20 minutes after the foundation of offshore Sentani Airport. Aircraft departs at 10:15 WIT with 15 people consisting of 12 passengers, 2 infants, and 3 crew.

With departure at 10:15 hours, in normal conditions, the plane should have landed at 11:45 in Oksibil WIT or it only takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. ''Indeed, a few minutes after take off from the Sentani Airport, officials reported that the plane lost contact,''said the Head of Flight Safety Sentani Airport Suparno SSos MM yesterday.

The plane,''arrived at 11:45 WIT. But, until now we have not get it going,''Suparno row. He lost contact at 53 Nautical mile (NM) to the Airport Oksibil. According Suparno, after receiving the news, through the airport tower officials continue to coordinate with the airport the other.

However, until yesterday afternoon that there has not been said that the plane has landed in one of the airfield. ''We also have difficulties because the weather is very ugly so that communication is interrupted,''he said.

Suparno menuturkan, roaming the height of the plane can reach 24,500 feet, while the Twin Otter is only 9500 feet. Because only 9500 feet, communication can be done through Jayapura Info. ''We continue to wait while information continues to coordinate,''added Suparno.

He said, the ability to fly Twin Otter aircraft is 2 hours 49 minutes. If the failed landing at destination airport, aircraft still have a supply of fuel to return. Therefore, the SAR team in coordination with the (search and rescue) and the airlines for the placement posko true if the plane fell.