Indonesian Plane With 11 Onboard Goes Missing Over South Sulawesi

A regional passenger aircraft carrying 11 people has gone missing in Indonesia, triggering an extensive search and rescue operation in the mountainous terrain of South Sulawesi. Indonesian authorities confirmed that contact was lost with the turboprop aircraft while it was on approach to the provincial capital, raising serious concerns about the safety of those onboard.

The aircraft, an ATR 42-500 operated by Indonesia Air Transport, was flying from Yogyakarta to Makassar. According to officials from Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry, the plane vanished from radar at approximately 1:17 pm local time while flying over the Leang-Leang area in Maros, close to Bulusaraung National Park.

Last Contact and Emergency Declaration

Authorities said the aircraft lost radio contact shortly after air traffic controllers instructed the pilot to correct the plane’s approach alignment. With no response from the cockpit, controllers declared the emergency distress phase, prompting immediate mobilisation of search and rescue teams.

The missing plane was carrying eight crew members and three passengers. Officials confirmed that all three passengers were government officials from Indonesia’s Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, adding to the urgency of the rescue effort.

Massive Search and Rescue Effort

Multiple search and rescue units have been deployed across South Sulawesi, supported by the Indonesian military and air force. Helicopters, drones, and ground teams are combing the rugged terrain spanning the Maros and Pangkep districts, areas known for steep slopes, dense vegetation, and limited accessibility.

Search operations are being coordinated around Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, where investigators believe the aircraft may have deviated from its intended flight path during approach.

Hikers Report Possible Debris

Hopes of locating the aircraft rose after hikers on Mount Bulusaraung reported seeing scattered debris, including markings resembling the Indonesia Air Transport logo. Witnesses also reported small fires still burning in the area, suggesting a possible crash site.

South Sulawesi military commander Bangun Nawoko said the reports have been forwarded to rescue authorities and are currently being verified. Teams are attempting to reach the reported location, though progress has been slowed by the difficult terrain.

Weather and Terrain Challenges

Officials said weather conditions at the time of the disappearance included cloud cover, though visibility was reported to be around eight kilometres. Despite this, the mountainous geography of the region poses significant challenges for rescue teams, with narrow ridges and forested slopes complicating aerial and ground access.

Rescue officials acknowledged that operations may take time due to the terrain, but stressed that all available resources are being deployed to locate the aircraft and its occupants as quickly as possible.

Growing Aviation Concern

The disappearance has once again highlighted the challenges of air travel in Indonesia, an archipelago with vast remote regions and complex geography. Authorities have assured that a full investigation will be launched once the aircraft is located, focusing on weather conditions, flight data, and communication records.

As search operations continue through the night, families of those onboard await official updates. Indonesian authorities have said they will provide timely information as soon as there is confirmation regarding the aircraft’s fate.