Garuda Indonesia Admits Engine Trouble Causes Plane Carrying Hajj Pilgrims to Turn Back
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3 July 2024 09:55 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A Garuda Indonesia flight (GA-6239) traveling from Solo to Jeddah was forced to return to base (RTB) or its departure airport, Adi Soemarmo Airport, on Tuesday due to engine issues. Garuda Indonesia President Director Irfan Setiaputra confirmed the technical problems with the plane that was supposed to bring Hajj pilgrims home.
“There was a technical problem with one of the plane's engines, so we had to re-check and follow up the fleet maintenance procedures,” Irfan said in an official statement on Wednesday, July 3.
The plane finally returned to Adi Sumarmo Airport at 21:07 local time. The 14 crew members then conducted the disembarkation process in accordance with applicable safety regulations and procedures.
Irfan explained that the technical problem was discovered shortly after take-off. The Pilot in Command (PIC) found a cockpit indicator signaling an engine issue that required further inspection. As a result, the PIC initiated a return to base (RTB) procedure back to Solo.
Irfan assured that flight GA-6239 departed from Solo after undergoing routine aircraft inspection procedures by the lessor and related teams. He added that Garuda had prepared replacement aircraft for the return of the Hajj pilgrims from Jeddah and ensured the safety of the passengers.
This incident marks the second time during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage that a Garuda Indonesia flight encountered technical difficulties. In May, another flight (GA-1105) departing Makassar for Medina experienced sparks coming from one of its engines, prompting an RTB maneuver. The plane was carrying 450 prospective Hajj pilgrims.
The Transportation Ministry responded by issuing a warning letter to Garuda Indonesia. Minister Budi Karya called for stricter aircraft maintenance procedures and improved communication with aircraft lessors.
“We’ve requested Garuda Indonesia to heighten oversight of their fleet's condition to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Budi Karya said on May 24.
RIRI RAHAYU
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