Investigation Summary
The flight was the return leg of a weekly service between Amsterdam and Biak. Shortly after departing Runway 10 at 03:32 local time, the crew requested permission for a 'low run' over the airfield, a maneuver not standard for scheduled commercial operations. The aircraft initiated a 180-degree turn to fly back toward the airport. During this turn, conducted in darkness over the sea, the aircraft descended into the water approximately one kilometer from the shore. The wreckage sank in 250 meters of water, making a detailed technical recovery difficult. While 12 people were initially rescued, two later died in the hospital, leaving 10 final survivors and bringing the total death toll to 58.
Final Conclusions
The Dutch Accident Board (RvdL) concluded that the crash resulted from either pilot error, technical failure, or a combination of both. The board specifically noted that the pilot might have misjudged his altitude relative to the sea during the night turn. A significant finding was the condemnation of the 'low run' maneuver, stating that the inherent risks of takeoff and landing should not be increased by unnecessary low-altitude flying on scheduled services.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
First Officer
Systems & Failure Modes
Runway Lighting
The crew specifically requested these remain active to assist in their low-altitude pass maneuver.
Altimeter
Investigators considered whether a technical failure of altitude instruments or pilot misinterpretation contributed to the descent into the sea.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was named 'Neutron' and had been in service since 1953.
- 02The aircraft's construction number (MSN) was 4504.
- 03The wreckage sank to a depth of 250 meters (820 feet).
- 04Ten people ultimately survived the accident; two initial survivors died later in the hospital.
- 05The flight was scheduled to stop in Manila, Calcutta, Karachi, Bahrain, Cairo, and Rome before reaching Amsterdam.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Prohibition of Low Passes
The Accident Board recommended that low runs should not be made by aircraft on scheduled services to avoid increasing the danger inherent in the proximity of the ground.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
2000 Investigation Reopening Request
Reference ↗In February 2000, a request was made to reopen the investigation based on accounts suggesting the crew may have consumed alcoholic beverages prior to the flight. The captain's family also supported a reopening to clear his name.