Tragedy unfolded in Gorontalo’s skies on Sunday morning when a SAM Air DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft crashed near Pohuwato Airport, killing all four people onboard. The small aircraft, registered as PK-SMH, departed from Gorontalo’s Djalaluddin Airport at 7:03 a.m. local time, bound for Pohuwato Airport, with an expected arrival at 7:33 a.m. However, 20 minutes into the flight, air traffic control lost contact with the plane.
Wreckage was discovered hours later in a swamp near runway 27 of Pohuwato Airport. The aircraft was badly damaged, with its front section burned and wings clipped. Tragically, all four occupants perished in the crash, including pilot M. Saefurubi, first officer M. Arthur V.G., flight engineer Budijanto, and passenger Sri Meyke Male. Their bodies were evacuated to Motolohu public health center before being transported to the provincial capital for their families to claim.
The exact cause of the crash remains unclear, but investigations are underway to determine what led to the disaster. In response, Gorontalo’s Acting Governor Rudy Salahuddin offered condolences, stating, “We mourn the tragic loss of lives and stand with the families during this difficult time.” The crash comes as a blow to the region, where air travel is a vital link for the community.
Authorities are now focusing on uncovering potential mechanical issues or environmental factors that could have contributed to the incident. The aircraft had been expected to complete the short domestic route with ease, but its sudden crash raises questions about the aircraft’s maintenance and flight conditions at the time of the accident. With safety experts involved, the goal remains to prevent further tragedies in the region’s aviation sector.
