Jakarta, January 17 - Indonesia has launched an extensive search and rescue operation following the loss of contact with an ATR 42-500 aircraft in South Sulawesi on January 17, 2026. The plane, registered as PK-THT and manufactured in 2000, was operated by Indonesia Air Transport (IAT) under its Air Operator Certificate. Commanded by Captain Andy Dahananto, the flight originated from Yogyakarta and was en route to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar. Air traffic control at the Makassar Area Terminal Service Center last communicated with the crew at 04:23 UTC, issuing instructions to approach Runway 21. The aircraft deviated from the designated path, prompting multiple corrective directives from controllers before communication ceased entirely over the Maros District.
The aircraft carried a total of 10 people on board, comprising 7 crew members and 3 passengers. At the time of the incident, weather conditions in the area included visibility of approximately 8 kilometers under partly cloudy skies, with further meteorological details being coordinated with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). Authorities declared a Distress Phase (DETRESFA) after the loss of contact, mobilizing resources to locate the missing ATR plane. Search efforts are primarily concentrated in the rugged Bantimurung limestone mountains near Leang-Leang Village in Maros District, a challenging terrain known for its karst formations.
The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has established a coordination post close to the suspected incident site, leading the multi-agency response. Key participants include the Maros Police, AirNav Indonesia’s MATSC branch, the Sultan Hasanuddin Airport Crisis Center, and the Indonesian Air Force. AirNav Indonesia is preparing to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to facilitate the ongoing operations, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is overseeing coordination through the Makassar Region V Airport Authority Office. Director General of Civil Aviation Lukman F. Laisa has confirmed the incident and emphasized that initial reports are being received, with regular updates to follow as the search progresses.
This developing situation underscores the rapid response of Indonesian aviation authorities and rescue teams to aviation emergencies in remote and difficult-to-access regions. Search and rescue teams continue their efforts to locate the missing ATR 42-500 and determine the circumstances surrounding the loss of contact in South Sulawesi.
