Dicky Christanto and Hans David Tampubolon, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Sat, 06/26/2010 12:29 PM
Nothing was wrong with the Air Force plane that exploded while landing at Ngurah Rai on Thursday, and Bali military commander Maj. Gen. Budiyanto did not eject from the aircraft in a panic, says an Indonesian Air Force representative.
The Korean-made two-seat KT-1B "Wong Bee" plane was thoroughly inspected before take off, Ngurah Rai air base spokesman Capt. Rinaldi said.
"We also briefed all the passengers before the flight. We followed all standard operating procedures," Rinaldi told The Jakarta Post.
The Indonesian Air Force purchased 12 KT-1B planes in 2000 to replace its aging fleet of US-made OV-10 Broncos.
The fateful plane was part of flight of four KT-1B's sent from Yogyakarta to Bali for a week for long-range navigation training.
The flight took off Thursday with several high-ranking officials, including Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. Sutisna, for a "joyride", according to reports. Bali Governor Mangku Pastika was to have joined the flight, but cancelled before takeoff.
Budiyanto decided to eject because he felt there was something unusual with the plane, Udayana Military Command spokesman Lt. Col. Gaga Ardhana said.
"He felt as if the plane hit something when landing, so he pushed the ejection-seat button before it was too late," Gaga said.
Budiyanto told a television station that he heard an explosion when the aircraft's tires hit the tarmac.
Gaga denied that Budiyanto panicked when he decided to eject. Everything had been discussed before the decision was made, he added.
Budiyanto and Sinaga survived the accident after parachuting to safety.
Thursday's plane crash was the first involving a new military aircraft. Previous accidents, which were mostly fatal, involved planes which had been operating for more than 20 years.
The House of Representatives' Commission I on Defense will demand clarification from TNI officials on the plane crash, said deputy chairman Tubagus Hasanuddin of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).
"We will question the TNI, particularly Air Force officers, regarding the accident. Why were high ranking officials, such as Bali's military commander, on a joyride in planes we purchased for training?" Tubagus said.
"This accident shows that our officials still misusing state facilities."
