ATR Plane Crash in Indonesia Kills All 11 On Board

Search Continues for Wreckage in Mountainous Terrain

An Indonesia Air Transport ATR 42-500 regional aircraft carrying 11 people crashed on Saturday, January 17, 2026, while approaching mountainous terrain in South Sulawesi province. All passengers and crew are presumed dead after the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control during its final approach to Makassar's Sultan Hasanuddin Airport.

Flight Details and Last Contact

The ill-fated flight departed from Yogyakarta on Java island at approximately 12:45 PM local time, bound for Makassar on Sulawesi island—a journey that typically takes about two hours. According to aviation authorities, the aircraft was on approach to Runway 21 when air traffic controllers noticed it was not following the correct flight path. 'Despite multiple instructions to correct its alignment, the aircraft continued off course before radio contact was lost,' said Basarnas spokesperson Abdul Malik.

The last communication occurred around 1:15 PM local time when the aircraft was approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the airport. The plane was flying at low altitude over the Bantimurung limestone mountains in Maros District, an area known for its rugged terrain and limited radar coverage.

Search and Rescue Operations

Rescue teams have been deployed to the Leang-Leang area where hikers reported seeing debris with Indonesia Air Transport markings and small fires on the slopes of Mount Bulusaraung. 'We have established a command post near the suspected crash site and are coordinating efforts with helicopters, drones, and ground teams,' explained National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) chief Henri Alfiandi.

The search operation involves approximately 60 personnel from multiple agencies, including the Indonesian Air Force, police, and volunteers. However, the challenging terrain—characterized by steep slopes and dense vegetation—has significantly hampered rescue efforts. Weather conditions at the time of the incident showed approximately 8 kilometers visibility with partly cloudy skies, according to meteorological reports.

Victims and Aircraft Information

The aircraft, registered as PK-THT with serial number 611, was carrying 8 crew members and 3 passengers—all officials from Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The flight was operating under a government contract for marine surveillance services. 'Our thoughts are with the families of those on board during this difficult time,' stated Ministry spokesperson Wahyu Trenggono.

The ATR 42-500 is a twin-turboprop regional airliner manufactured by the Franco-Italian consortium ATR. According to Wikipedia, the aircraft first flew in 1984 and typically seats 42-50 passengers. Indonesia Air Transport, founded in 1968, specializes in serving the oil, gas, and mining industries while also operating limited scheduled services.

Indonesia's Aviation Safety Record

This tragedy adds to Indonesia's concerning aviation safety record. According to historical data, the archipelago nation has experienced several major crashes in recent decades, including the 1997 Garuda Indonesia Flight 152 crash (234 fatalities), 2014 Indonesia AirAsia Flight 8501 (162 fatalities), and 2018 Lion Air Flight 610 (189 fatalities).

The French-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR confirmed it was informed of the accident and stated it would provide technical support to investigators. 'Safety is our top priority, and we stand ready to assist the investigation in any way possible,' said ATR spokesperson Jean-Baptiste Dumas.

As search operations continue, authorities have established a Crisis Center at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport to coordinate efforts and support families of the victims. The investigation into the cause of the crash will be led by Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee.