Missing ATR 42-500 aircraft found in South Sulawesi after overnight search

Photo: Antara

An ATR 42-500 aircraft that had earlier lost contact during a domestic flight in Indonesia has been located in a mountainous area of South Sulawesi, authorities say.

The aircraft, registered PK-THT, departed Adisutjipto Airport in Yogyakarta on Saturday morning, carrying 10 people, seven crew members and three passengers, on a flight bound for Makassar.

According to Indonesia’s search and rescue agency Basarnas, communication with the aircraft was lost at 13:37 Central Indonesia Time (WITA) on Saturday, triggering an emergency response.

Debris spotted from the air

The breakthrough came early on Sunday. At 07:17 WITA, an aerial patrol team reported seeing white-coloured debris inside Bantimurung–Bulusaraung National Park, an area known for steep slopes and dense forest, located between Maros and Pangkep regencies.

Ground teams later confirmed the discovery of large aircraft fragments on the northern side of a hilltop at around 08:02 WITA. Shortly after, at 08:09 WITA, rescuers located the main body of the aircraft, allowing identification efforts to begin.

Rescue officials said the crash site lies in difficult terrain, requiring specialised mountaineering equipment. Helicopters have been deployed to assess safe landing points before search teams are lowered into the area.

Weather complicates evacuation

Basarnas said evacuation plans are being adjusted due to unfavourable weather, including strong winds and heavy mist, which continue to hamper aerial operations.

“The position of the wreckage is on a slope and requires mountaineering equipment,” said Muhammad Arif Anwar, head of the Basarnas Makassar office. “The safety of our personnel remains the top priority during this operation.”

Aircraft details

The aircraft involved is an ATR 42-500, manufactured in 2000 by a French-Italian consortium. It was operating on the Yogyakarta–Makassar route at the time of the incident.

Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) is expected to lead the investigation into the cause of the crash once rescue operations are complete.

Search and identification efforts are ongoing.