Air TransportATR 42-500 disappears in Indonesia during flight to Makassar
An ATR 42-500 aircraft disappeared on Saturday, January 17, during a flight in Indonesia, prompting a large-scale search-and-rescue operation. The turboprop, registered as PK-THT, was operating a flight from Yogyakarta to Makassar when contact was lost with air traffic control.
According to Indonesian authorities, the aircraft departed Yogyakarta-Adisutjipto Airport and was en route to Makassar-Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport when communication ceased. The last known position was recorded at low altitude over the sea, with the final signal received at approximately 11:20 local time, around 20 km northeast of Makassar.
Local officials reported that air traffic control had issued course-correction instructions to the crew after identifying that the aircraft was not following the expected flight path. Contact was lost shortly after the final instruction, leading controllers to declare an emergency phase in accordance with established procedures.
Indonesia’s search-and-rescue agencies later focused operations on Maros Regency, South Sulawesi, particularly in the Bulusaraung Pangkep mountain area. Authorities cited reports of a loud explosion heard before the aircraft vanished, as well as indications of debris in a densely forested region.
Military commander Maj Gen Bangun Nawoko said it was highly likely that the aircraft had crashed. Rescue teams subsequently confirmed that wreckage had been located in the mountainous area.
The ATR 42-500 was operated by Indonesia Air Transport on behalf of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The aircraft was carrying 11 people on board, including eight crew members and three passengers. All occupants are presumed to have died, according to preliminary information.
The aircraft involved was an ATR 42-512 built in 2000 and powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 engines. Flightradar24 reported limited tracking data due to the aircraft’s low altitude, noting that the final signal was received at 04:20 UTC.
ATR, the aircraft manufacturer, confirmed it had been informed of the accident and said its specialists are supporting the investigation being led by Indonesian authorities, as well as the operator.
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