Indonesian Air Force — Flight A-2703

An Indonesian Air Force Fokker F27-400M crashed into a hangar at Husein Sastranegara International Airport during a landing attempt in severe weather. The aircraft was returning from a parachuting exercise carrying 17 special forces trainees, six crew members, and one instructor. During the approach, the pilot encountered a heavy storm with a 20-knot crosswind. Witnesses reported the aircraft shaking before it dived and struck Hangar D, which belonged to the Indonesian aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia. The impact and subsequent explosion destroyed the aircraft and the hangar, which contained several other aircraft and helicopters. All 24 occupants were killed.

Aircraft

Fokker F27-400M Friendship

Registration

A-2703

Phase

Cause

Souls on Board

Fatalities

Origin → Dest

Husein Sastranegara International Airport, Bandung, Indonesia → Husein Sastranegara International Airport, Bandung, Indonesia

Report

Investigation Summary

The flight was a routine military training mission involving parachute jumps. After completing the exercise, the crew attempted to return to their base in Bandung. Weather conditions at the time were deteriorating rapidly, characterized by heavy rain and significant wind shear. The aircraft was reportedly observed struggling with stability on its final approach to the runway. As it neared the threshold, the aircraft veered off course and impacted Hangar D. The resulting fire was intense, fueled by the aircraft's remaining fuel and the contents of the hangar. Following the accident, the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) conducted safety inspections on its Fokker F27 fleet. At the time, the military was already in the process of planning to replace the aging Fokker fleet with newer aircraft, such as the EADS CASA C-295.

Final Conclusions

The investigation attributed the crash to a combination of severe weather conditions and the resulting loss of control during the landing phase. The presence of a 20-knot crosswind and heavy turbulence during a storm exceeded the safe operating parameters for the approach, leading the aircraft to strike Hangar D near the runway 29 threshold.

Video Analysis

No video analysis linked for this case file yet.

Systems & Failure Modes

Airframe

The Fokker F27-400M is a turboprop regional transport; the airframe was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire.

Flight Controls

Witnesses reported the aircraft shaking, suggesting the pilots were struggling to maintain control in high crosswinds and turbulence.

Interesting Facts

01The aircraft was carrying 18 passengers, consisting of 17 special forces trainees from the Paskhas unit and one instructor.
02The crash occurred during a heavy storm with a 20-knot crosswind.
03The plane struck Hangar D, which contained several other aircraft and helicopters.
04All 24 people on board, including 6 crew and 18 passengers, were killed.
05The aircraft was a Fokker F27-400M Friendship (MSN 10538) manufactured in 1976.