An Indonesian ATR 42-500 aircraft operated by Indonesia Air Transport went missing over the mountainous region between Java and Central Sulawesi after losing contact with air traffic control near Maros in South Sulawesi province. The aircraft, carrying 11 people, was last tracked at 1:17 pm near the Liang-Liang area while en route to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport.
Officials said the turboprop plane, capable of carrying 42 to 50 passengers, was transporting eight officials and three passengers associated with Indonesia’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Shortly after air traffic control instructed the pilots to adjust their approach alignment, the aircraft disappeared from radar screens and radio contact was lost, leading authorities to declare an emergency.
https://x.com/NaraSenyap/status/2012720607469903890
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with helicopters, drones and ground teams deployed in the region. Hikers on Mount Bulusaraung reported finding scattered debris, small fires and markings resembling the airline’s logo. Rescue teams have been dispatched to the area to verify the reports and continue efforts to locate the aircraft and any possible survivors.