Plane Crashes Into Connecting Bridge At Ngurah Rai Airport, Batik Air Explains

PHOTO: IST

JAKARTA - Batik Air flight ID-6506 from Jakarta via Soekarno-Hatta International Airport crashed into a passenger connecting bridge (Garbatara) upon arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali.

Corporate Communications Strategic of Batik Air, Danang Mandala Prihantoro said the plane landed at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport smoothly and prepared for the designated parking lot (apron). The plan will use the bridge facility connecting the terminal building to the aircraft or garbarata (avid bridge).

Danang explained that the parking process is carried out according to standard operational procedures (SOP), communication, and coordination between the crew and ground officers who give the command to the pilot to park the aircraft (marshaller).

"While the coordination was still ongoing, suddenly the upper part of the surface of the aircraft engine number one (left) touched the end of the garbarata", he said, when contacted by VOI, Sunday, May 23.

For the incident, said Danang, the process of disembarking all guests, crew, and luggage using manual stairs. Handling runs smoothly and according to procedures.

Regarding the cause, Danang said that Batik Air together with related parties is currently conducting an investigation process.

"Batik Air minimizes the impact that arises so that other Batik Air flight operations continue to run normally (not disturbed)", he explained.

However, Danang ensured before the departure of the plane (pre-flight check) has undergone a thorough examination. The aircraft is declared airworthiness for flight.

"Batik Air always complies with the operation and flight services based on the applicable provisions or regulations while paying attention to factors that meet the aspects of safety and health protocol guidelines", he said.

Batik Air ID-6506 was carrying 119 passengers and four crew from Soekarno Hatta Airport.