Reuters AlertNet Lite - Garuda jet travelling too fast when crashed-report

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Garuda jet travelling too fast when crashed-report

07 Apr 2007 00:59:15 GMT
Source: Reuters

SYDNEY, April 7 (Reuters) - An Indonesian Garuda jet which crashed at Yogyakarta airport in March killing 21 people was travelling at nearly double the normal landing speed according to an official investigation, Australian media reported on Saturday.

An Indonesian investigation into the crash found the aircraft was travelling at 410 kmh (254 mph) when it hit the tarmac, bounced and skidded off the runway, bursting into flames, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper said.

The Herald said it had obtained a copy of a preliminary crash report by Indonesia's Transport Safety Committee which ruled out mechanical fault and said investigators were focusing on pilot error as the weather at the time was calm.

The aircraft's flight data recorder (FDR) indicated that "it was making the landing approach at a faster than normal speed and the flaps were not configured for landing", the newspaper said, quoting from the report.

"The FDR, and evidence at the accident site, has not indicated any mechanical deficiency with the aircraft," said the report.

The report said that Yogyakarta airport did not meet international safety standards and that its runway was only a quarter of the recommended length. It said airport fire engines and rescue teams were unable to reach the crash site quickly which may have contributed to the death toll.

The Herald said the preliminary report contained all the technical details of the crash but made no final analysis.

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Last updated:Sat Apr 7 01:00:28 2007