Deadly Medan crash exposes illegal cargo of fare-paying civilians
An Indonesian air force investigation of a deadly Hercules C-130 crash into a city centre on Sumatra was buffeted yesterday by spreading allegations the aircraft was illegally carrying paying passengers, as well as military personnel and services families.
At least two civilian families, who were among the more than 140 people who perished in Tuesdays disaster on a busy commercial road south of Medan, bought tickets for the flight, relatives have told Indonesian news outlets.
Air force regulations forbid the carriage of civilians, except for services families, but it has been widely assumed for years the rules are flouted and fares are charged for unrelated civilians to hitch a ride.
Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu yesterday acknowledged the likelihood the 50-year-old transport aircraft was carrying civilians against military regulations.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/deadly-medan-crash-exposes-illegal-cargo-of-fare-paying-civilians/story-e6frg6so-1227424165510?nk=61d1bbc08d7f76d685328515ff93fc79-1435763294