What: Susi Air Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter
Where: Ritan, East Kalimantan, Kutai Kartanegara, Indonesia
When: April 25, 2012, 5:30 pm
Who: 2 aboard, 2 fatalities
Why: On an aerial photography flight, the Susi Air plane developed problems. South African Pilot Jonathan Willis reported engine problems and was planning to make an emergency landing. Australian Ian McDougall was aboard, performing an aerial survey. The plane crashed 60 metres shy of a probable successful emergency landing site. He had sent his company PT Surtech Utama Indonesia a text message regarding a fuel program. They had been nearing the end of a six-hour survey flight when the pilot had attempted to fly or glide to a road 300 meters long, 20 meters wide.
The owner of the airline, Susi Pudjiastuti grounded its seven Pilatus Porter planes and the owner is considering shutting down. This is Susi Air’s the third fatal crash in eight months: In September 2011, a Susi Air crash killed two in Papua; and in November of 2011, a Spanish pilot crashed at Sugapa Airport.
Both Willis and McDougall’s remains were recovered Thursday.
