Sriwijaya SJ182 – Java Sea Upset Crash
Date of Incident: January 9, 2021
Location: Near Laki Island, Thousand Islands, Java Sea, Indonesia
🧭 What Happened
Sriwijaya Air Flight SJ182, a Boeing 737-500, crashed into the Java Sea four minutes after takeoff from Jakarta. The aircraft experienced a thrust asymmetry due to a faulty autothrottle system, leading to an upset condition and loss of control. All 62 onboard were killed. The crash was the deadliest aviation accident of 2021.
✈️ Aircraft Details
Flight Number: SJ182 / SJY182
Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-524
Registration: PK-CLC
Departure: Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK)
Destination: Supadio International Airport (PNK)
Fatalities: 62 (50 passengers + 12 crew)
Survivors: 0
🔍 Key Factors
The left thrust lever reduced power while the right remained at climb setting, causing thrust asymmetry. The autopilot attempted to maintain heading but was overwhelmed. The aircraft rolled left, entered a steep dive, and impacted the sea inverted. The autothrottle had a history of unresolved faults, and the crew failed to monitor engine parameters effectively.
📆 Timeline of Events
- 07:36 UTC – Takeoff from Jakarta
- 07:38 UTC – Left thrust lever begins reducing
- 07:39 UTC – Aircraft begins unintended left bank
- 07:40:05 UTC – Autopilot disengages; aircraft rolls left >45°
- 07:40:10 UTC – Autothrottle disengages
- 07:40:28 UTC – FDR stops recording; aircraft crashes
🎙️ Cockpit Voice & Flight Data
“Bank angle!” — GPWS alert
“We’re turning left!” — First Officer
The CVR captured confusion and delayed recognition of the upset condition. The FDR showed increasing thrust asymmetry and roll angle. Both recorders were recovered and analyzed by KNKT, NTSB, AAIB, and TSIB.
⚙️ Aircraft Systems & Failures
- Autothrottle failed to move right thrust lever
- CTSM failed to disengage autothrottle in time
- Thrust asymmetry led to upset condition
- Spoiler signal error delayed CTSM activation
🛡️ Aftermath and Reforms
- KNKT final report published November 2022
- Pilot error and autothrottle fault cited as causes
- Recommendations issued for UPRT training and system monitoring
- Memorials held in Jakarta and Pontianak