Yogyakarta crash captain arrested, charged with manslaughter

Indonesian authorities brought manslaughter charges against Marwoto Komar, 45, the pilot in command of the Garuda Indonesia 737-400 that crashed on landing at Adisucipto International in Yogyakarta last March, killing 21.

According to Indonesian media, Komar was taken into custody as police feared he would destroy evidence and presents a flight risk. His attorney told media that charging the captain would set a bad precedent and make other pilots reluctant to fly. However, it appears that the copilot has given evidence against Komar. Last November the Indonesian National Transport Safety Committee claimed that he apparently ignored 15 alert warnings and the plea of his copilot to abort the landing (ATWOnline, Oct. 23, 2007).

The aircraft touched down at 221 kt., 87 kt. faster than landing speed for 40 deg. flap. It overran the runway, crossed a road and ended up in a rice paddy 756 ft. from the end of the runway. According to the NTSC report, neither of the flight crew followed company procedures and Garuda records showed no evidence of training or proficiency checks in the actions and responses to be taken in the event of GPWS or EGPWS alerts and warnings.

Adding further complexity to the situation, Australia's The Age reported that new Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd demanded those responsible for the accident be held accountable, a message recently delivered by Australian government ministers in Jakarta. One Australian journalist and four officials involved in a visit by the former foreign minister, Alexander Downer, were among the fatalities.