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Pilot sentenced to 2 years for crash
The Associated Press , Yogyakarta | Mon, 04/06/2009 3:42 PM | National
Pilot sentenced: Judges at Sleman District Court on Monday read out their verdict for Capt Pilot M. Marwoto Komar, the pilot of Garuda Indonesia jet that crashed in Yogyakarta two years ago, killing 21 passengers. The court sentenced Marwoto to two years in prison. JP/Tarko Sudiarno
Yogyakarta's Sleman District Court has sentenced pilot Capt. Marwoto Komar to two years in prison for crasing a jetliner in 2007, killing 21 people.
Komar was approaching the Yogyakarta runway at almost double the normal speed when his Garuda Boeing 737-400 careered into a rice paddy and burst into flames.
He is accused of disregarding repeated alerts indicating it was not safe to land - including at least one by his co-pilot urging him to circle around again.
"His negligence caused loss of life," presiding judge Sri Andini told the packed Sleman District Court as he handed down his verdict.
Komar - who together with the co-pilot and 117 others survived the crash - blamed mechanical problems and said he would appeal.
Among the dead and injured were Australian diplomats, police, military personnel and journalists who were following a visit by Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer to the central Javan city.
Indonesia has had a string of deadly plane crashes since 2005. Experts say poor maintenance, rule-bending and a shortage of properly trained pilots may contribute to the country's poor aviation safety record.
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Will Gomm (not verified) — Tue, 04/07/2009 - 7:33am
"His negligence caused loss of life" said the judge and sentenced him to two years - so this is what the Indonesian judiciary considers the value of a human life. No wonder the judicial system is in such a mess. The EU must maintain its ban on Indonesian planes to Europe and tourists to Indonesia need to think very carefully about using public transport - not only air transport but sea, rail and bus as well.