ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The Asia One Air plane was shot at in Beoga District, Central Papua on Friday, February 16 2024.
There were no casualties in this incident. Asia One Air passengers and pilots are reported to be safe.
The Director General of Civil Aviation at the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, M. Kristi Endah Murni, explained that the plane shot at by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) was a Cessna Grand Caravan registered PK-LTF belonging to PT. Asian One Air which flies the Timika – Beoga route. The plane carried the pilot and 9 passengers.
“We ensure that all passengers and pilots are safe. However, in the cargo pod section D area on the right there is a gunshot hole that penetrated the floor of the aircraft,” said Kristi in her official statement, Friday, February 16 2024.
Kristi said that the PK-LTF plane made its second flight from Timika to Beoga at 23.59 UTC or 08.59 WIT. When the plane was in its final position before landing, or to be precise at an altitude of approximately 300 feet towards the runway, the sound of gunshots was heard from behind the plane.
Nevertheless, the plane managed to land normally in Beoga District at 00.53 UTC/09.53 WIT.
After the aircraft was in the engine shutdown position, the Pilot in Command (PIC) immediately checked the condition of the passengers and aircraft. Next, joint security forces from the TNI/Polri immediately carried out a search.
After coordinating internally regarding the aircraft’s airworthiness and for safety reasons, the PIC decided to fly the aircraft back to Timika.
“The plane landed in Timika at 02.22 UTC or 11.22 WIT. Based on the inspection, there was minor damage to the aircraft and it is currently being evaluated for repairs,” explained Kristi.
Kristi said that her party had ordered the Head of the Merauke Region.
“We must ensure that the safety, security and comfort of flights on the routes that the aircraft fly through can be guaranteed,” concluded Kristi. (AT Network)
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