Air TransportATR 42-500 wreckage found in Indonesia, no survivors reported
Indonesian search-and-rescue teams have located the wreckage of an ATR 42-500 that disappeared on January 17, during a flight to Makassar, with all those on board now feared dead.
The aircraft, registered PK-THT, was operated by Indonesia Air Transport on behalf of the Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance agency (PSDKP). It departed Yogyakarta-Adisutjipto Airport on the morning of January 17 and lost contact with air traffic control while approaching Makassar-Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport.
According to Basarnas, Indonesia’s national search-and-rescue agency, the wreckage was found at 08:50 local time on January 18 on a mountain peak in the Bulusaraung area, Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi. The crash site is located at an altitude of approximately 1,353 meters above sea level, in steep and densely forested terrain.
Early reports indicated that 11 people were on board the flight, but local authorities later confirmed that the aircraft was carrying 10 occupants, including seven crew members and three passengers.
Major General Bangun Nawoko, commander of the XIV/Hasanuddin Military Region, confirmed that at least one victim had been located at the site. He said recovery operations were being hampered by difficult conditions, including fog, limited visibility and challenging access to the mountainous area.
A one-kilometer safety and search perimeter has been established around the wreckage as recovery efforts continue. Debris from the aircraft has been visually identified across the crash area, indicating significant impact damage.
The 25-year-old ATR 42-500 was cleared by air traffic control for an approach to Runway 21 at Makassar before communication was lost. Investigators have not yet released information on the cause of the accident.
In a statement, the Indonesian government expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said the immediate priority remains search-and-rescue operations, to be conducted in accordance with established procedures.
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 assisting the operator.
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