Indonesian search and rescue teams have located the wreckage of a government surveillance aircraft that vanished over the weekend. The discovery was made in the rugged mountains of South Sulawesi, but all 11 people on board remain unaccounted for.
Flight Details and Disappearance
The aircraft, an ATR 42 turboprop operated by Indonesia Air Transport, was on a mission monitoring fishing activity. It departed from Yogyakarta and was en route to the provincial capital, Makassar, when it lost contact with air traffic control. Authorities confirmed the loss of communication occurred on Saturday at approximately 1:30 pm local time.
Search and Discovery of Debris
A major search operation was swiftly launched across the difficult terrain of South Sulawesi. The breakthrough came when debris from the plane was spotted scattered across the slopes near Mount Bulusaraung. The remote and mountainous location has complicated access for rescue and recovery teams.
On board the flight were three government workers and seven crew members. As of the latest reports, there has been no confirmation regarding their fate. The large-scale search effort is ongoing, with teams working to reach the crash site.
Investigation and Next Steps
In the wake of the discovery, Indonesia's national aviation safety body has announced it will initiate a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The focus will be on analysing the wreckage, flight data, and weather conditions at the time of the incident.
The loss of the specialised surveillance aircraft underscores the risks associated with aerial monitoring missions in Indonesia's vast and often challenging archipelago. Further updates are expected as the recovery operation progresses and the investigation develops.
