Indonesia aircraft found crashed on mountain in South Sulawesi after losing contact

INDONESIA: An ATR 42-500 aircraft operated by Indonesia Air Transport (IAT) lost contact with air traffic control while approaching Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Saturday afternoon (17 Jan).

The aircraft had departed from Adisutjipto Airport in Yogyakarta and was carrying 10 people — seven crew members and three passengers — when it disappeared from radar over the mountainous Bulusaraung area along the Maros–Pangkep border.

The three passengers were confirmed to be employees of Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).

According to aviation authorities, the aircraft was identified as being off its designated approach path during its descent into Makassar. Air Traffic Control (ATC) subsequently instructed the flight crew to correct its position.

Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) later confirmed that the aircraft had crashed into the slopes of Mount Bulusaraung in Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi, triggering an explosion that destroyed the plane.

KNKT chairman Soerjanto Tjahjono said the incident was categorised as a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).

“This incident is classified as CFIT. The aircraft was still under pilot control but struck a hill or mountain slope, resulting in the aircraft breaking apart due to the impact,” he said on Sunday (18 Jan).

Search and rescue teams later discovered aircraft debris scattered near the summit of Mount Bulusaraung and located the body of one passenger not far from the debris field.

The victim was to be transported to Bhayangkara Hospital in Makassar for further identification.

Evacuation Hampered by Weather and Terrain

National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) chief Mohammad Syafii said evacuation efforts would resume on Monday morning (19 Jan), subject to weather conditions.

“The evacuation plan includes both aerial and ground routes. A Caracal helicopter will attempt to land near the summit and conduct evacuations using a hoist method. If air evacuation is not possible, teams will proceed via land routes,” he said.

Basarnas Makassar Class A head and SAR Mission Coordinator Muhammad Arif Anwar said full evacuation could not yet be carried out due to severe weather and extremely challenging terrain.

“Currently, SAR personnel are sheltering at the summit of Mount Bulusaraung, where tents have been set up near the discovery site. Heavy rain, strong winds and thick fog have significantly reduced visibility and pose safety risks,” he explained.

Teams are continuing to secure the site and conduct preliminary identification while awaiting improved weather conditions.

Investigation Support Under Way

In addition to evacuating victims, Basarnas said efforts would also be made to recover key aircraft components required for the KNKT investigation.

“The evacuation is not only focused on passengers, but also on aircraft parts needed to support the investigation process,” Syafii added.

The SAR operation involves thousands of personnel from Basarnas, the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), the police, local authorities, SAR volunteers and other agencies, supported by ground and air assets as well as field communication technology.