2016 Indonesian Air Force C-130 crash

On 18 December 2016, an Indonesian Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules crashed on Mount Lisuwa while approaching Wamena Airport in Wamena, Papua, Indonesia. The aircraft, which was flying a co-pilot training mission, was carrying twelve crew members of the Indonesian Air Force and one passenger. The aircraft was destroyed on impact; all thirteen occupants died.

Accident

The aircraft, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules carrying 12 crew members, a passenger, and 12 tonnes of logistics, took off at 05:35 local time (UTC +9) from Mimika Regency's capital Timika, bound for Wamena Airport in Wamena. The aircraft was piloted by Major Marlon A Kawer, and according to a military statement in Halim, the flight was also acting as a training mission for the co-pilot. It was scheduled to land in Wamena at 06:13 local time, before continuing to Jayapura.

The aircraft had contacted Wamena Tower at 06:02, prior to a planned landing on Runway 15. However, due to poor visibility, Wamena Tower suggested that the aircraft should move to another runway, and the pilot accordingly changed to Runway 33. Wamena Tower obtained visual contact with the aircraft at 06:08, but a minute later lost all contact with the plane.

Following the crash, a crisis center was set up at Sentani Airport and 30 military personnel were deployed to the area. Search and rescue teams immediately found the wreckage on Mount Lisuwa, near Runway 33. Officials stated that the wreckage was burnt, with the tail section detached from the main body of the aircraft. No survivors were found at the crash site, and bodies were discovered in mutilated and disfigured condition. Military officials stated that the bodies of all thirteen of the victims had been found at the crash site and were transported to the nearest airport. By noon on 18 December, ten bodies had been identified. The bodies were repatriated to Malang, East Java. A ceremony was held during the repatriation.