ATR 42 Crashes Near Makassar After Terrain Impact, No Survivors

An Indonesia Air Transport ATR 42-500 turboprop crashed after colliding with terrain near Makassar on January 17, 2026, killing all 11 people on board, Indonesian authorities have confirmed.

The aircraft, registered PK-THT, was operating a flight from Yogyakarta to Makassar when radar and radio contact were lost while en route. According to AirNav Indonesia, the last recorded radar position was at 04°57’08” S / 119°42’54” E at 13:17 local time (06:17 UTC).

Indonesia’s Civil Aviation Authority said the aircraft had been cleared for an approach to Makassar’s runway 21. Air traffic controllers observed that the aircraft was not aligned with the correct approach path and issued corrective instructions. Shortly afterward, radar and radio contact were lost approximately 11 nautical miles northeast of the runway threshold.

Search and rescue operations were immediately launched but were severely hampered by heavy rain, fog, and mountainous terrain. Local residents in the Leang-Leang area reported hearing an explosion around the time contact was lost, followed by smoke rising from the mountainside.

Search teams from Basarnas later focused efforts within Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park. The wreckage was ultimately located near the summit of Mount Bulusaraung, which rises to approximately 5,135 feet above mean sea level. The confirmed wreckage location was at 04°55’48″S 119°44’52″E.

Initial images taken by a climber were reviewed by authorities before SAR teams reached the site. On January 18, rescuers confirmed the aircraft had been destroyed on impact. Debris, including sections of the fuselage, tail, engines, windows, and passenger seats, was scattered across a steep ravine. One body was recovered initially, with further recovery operations continuing under difficult conditions.

Authorities said the aircraft was carrying three government officials and eight crew members as part of an aerial monitoring mission for Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. More than 1,000 personnel—including military, police, and volunteers—have been involved in the land and air search effort.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. In a statement, Indonesia Air Transport said the aircraft had previously experienced technical issues but had been cleared as airworthy prior to departure.

Indonesia relies heavily on air transport to connect its vast archipelago and has faced longstanding aviation safety challenges. In 2015, an ATR 42-300 crashed into mountainous terrain in Papua, killing all 54 people on board. Investigators will now examine whether weather, terrain, navigation, or technical factors contributed to the Makassar accident.

A full investigation report is expected in the coming months.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com, avherald.com