Australians on board as Indon jet crashes

The Straits Times, March 7, 2007

SYDNEY - Australian journalists and diplomatic staff were on board an Indonesian airliner which burst into flames on landing in Yogyakarta, officials and reports said.

The journalists were covering the visit to Indonesia of Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who was not believed to be on board, Treasurer Peter Costello told reporters on Wednesday.

Prime Minister John Howard said at least 10 citizens were on board and some remained unaccounted for, including one defence force liaison staffer and an Australian Federal Police officer.

Also missing was an embassy staffer travelling from Jakarta for Mr Downer's visit.

'I've given authority for any aircraft, medical assistance and the like that is needed - not only for the Australians but for others involved in the accident - to be made available immediately,' Mr Howard said.

At least 49 people were killed but dozens escaped after the Boeing 737-400 carrying 133 passengers and seven crew overshot the runway and burst into flames on landing.

An Australian television cameraman, Wayne Sukarda, reportedly broke both legs in the accident while a journalist with the Sydney Morning Herald, Cynthia Banham, suffered burns to both legs and was recovering in a Yogyakarta hospital.

Mr Costello said he did not believe Mr Downer was aboard the plane. 'Nobody has suggested to me that he was,' he said.

Mr Downer and Australian Attorney-General Philip Ruddock were not in the city - Java's ancient capital and a tourist drawcard - having been delayed in Jakarta following a security summit.

Mr Downer's air force VIP jet was due to fly to the city as soon as the runway was cleared to offer help to any injured Indonesians or Australians requiring medical evacuation.

The rough Yogyakarta strip, used also by Indonesian air force planes, frequently causes aircraft to hit hard while touching down, prompting gasps from passengers as the planes bounce to a shuddering stop.

Aviation disaster expert Robert Heath said aircraft speed might have been a factor in the crash.

'From what I can see so far the aircraft appeared to land intact and that may point to excess speed being a factor,' said Professor Heath, from the University of South Australia.

'The fire may have been caused by the nose wheel hitting things as it ran off the runway or engine destruction. It was probable that a fuel tank was punctured on impact and to me it looks very similar to the Manchester Airport crash in 1985 that showed a burn pattern across the top cabin.' -- REUTERS