Jakarta, January 19 - Indonesian rescuers have located the wreckage of a missing turboprop aircraft that carried 11 people, marking a significant breakthrough in the search operation following the plane's disappearance on Saturday. The ATR 42-500, operated by Indonesia Air Transport and chartered by the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry for an airborne maritime surveillance mission, vanished from radar while en route from Yogyakarta to Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province. The aircraft, which had eight crew members and three passengers on board, was last tracked in the Leang-Leang area of Maros district amid cloudy weather conditions as it approached a mountainous region.
The discovery occurred on Sunday morning when an air force helicopter spotted what appeared to be a small aircraft window in a forested slope of Mount Bulusaraung. Ground teams subsequently retrieved larger debris, including sections consistent with the main fuselage and tail, scattered across a steep northern slope at an elevation of approximately 1,390 meters. Additional wreckage, such as parts of the aircraft frame, passenger seats, and what is believed to be the engine, was also identified. Rescuers faced challenging conditions, including thick fog, strong winds, and rugged terrain, which slowed access to the site despite the deployment of multiple teams supported by helicopters and drones.
As the operation progressed, authorities recovered one body from a deep ravine near the scattered debris, while additional remains were spotted along a steep cliff, though difficult terrain prevented immediate retrieval. The National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) emphasized that the primary focus has shifted to locating and evacuating the remaining individuals, with hopes that some may still be found alive. Over 1,200 personnel have been mobilized to intensify the ground search in the area, which has been narrowed significantly by the wreckage findings.
Indonesia, an archipelago nation spanning more than 17,000 islands, depends heavily on air transport to connect remote regions, yet it has faced recurring transportation accidents in recent years. This incident involving the ATR 42-500 highlights the ongoing risks associated with flying in challenging weather and terrain. Investigations by aviation authorities are expected to examine factors such as weather conditions, flight path deviations, and aircraft performance to determine the cause of the crash.