A plane lost contact with air traffic control and disappeared after a loud explosion was heard. The aircraft, an ATR 42-500, vanished while en route from Yogyakarta to Makassar in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The missing plane, operated by Indonesia Air Transport, was carrying three passengers and eight crew members. Authorities suspect the plane may have crashed in a mountainous area in Maros Regency, South Sulawesi, where debris has been sighted.
Commander Maj Gen Bangun Nawoko stated that an explosion was reported before the aircraft disappeared, leading to a search and rescue operation in densely forested “hotspots” believed to be the crash site. Director General of Air Transport, Lukman Laisa, revealed that the plane deviated from its path, prompting air traffic control to provide corrective instructions before losing contact.
The last signal from the aircraft was detected 12 miles northeast of Yogyakarta airport, with the aircraft flying at a low altitude over the sea. Manufacturer ATR expressed condolences and pledged support for the investigation conducted by Indonesian authorities and the operator.