Plane Vanishes Over Mountains in Indonesia: 11 Onboard as Wreckage Fears Grow
Mumbai: A regional passenger aircraft carrying 11 people went missing on Saturday while flying over a mountainous region in Indonesia’s South Sulawesi province, triggering an intense search and rescue operation amid growing concerns about a possible crash.
The turboprop ATR 42-500, operated by Indonesia Air Transport, was en route from Yogyakarta to Makassar, the provincial capital of South Sulawesi, when it suddenly lost contact with air traffic control.
According to Endah Purnama Sari, spokesperson for Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation, the aircraft disappeared from radar at 1:17 pm local time while flying over the Leang-Leang area of Maros district, close to the Bulusaraung National Park, a region known for its rugged and steep terrain.
Emergency Declared After Contact Lost
Sari said air traffic controllers had instructed the pilots to correct their approach alignment shortly before communication was lost. “After the final instruction, radio contact ceased and the emergency distress phase was declared,” she confirmed.
Multiple search and rescue teams were immediately mobilised, with support from air force helicopters, drones, and ground units. Operations are currently focused on the mountainous belt surrounding Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, where the aircraft is believed to have deviated from its planned flight path.
Hikers Report Possible Debris and Fire
Hopes of locating the missing aircraft intensified after hikers on Mount Bulusaraung reported seeing scattered debris, a logo resembling Indonesia Air Transport markings, and small fires still burning in the area.
South Sulawesi military commander Major General Bangun Nawoko said these reports have been shared with authorities and are being verified by rescue teams attempting to reach the suspected site.
All Onboard Were Government Officials
Officials confirmed that the aircraft was carrying eight crew members and three passengers, all reportedly officials from the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry.
Weather Clear, Terrain Proves Major Challenge
Weather conditions at the time of the disappearance included cloud cover, with visibility estimated at around eight kilometres, according to the Transportation Ministry. However, Nawoko noted that the steep, forested, and rugged terrain across the Maros and Pangkep districts has significantly hampered rescue efforts.
Search operations are continuing as authorities race against time to confirm the aircraft’s fate.
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