Fri Jan 23 07:29:48 UTC 2026: # Indonesian Fishery Surveillance Plane Crash Claims All Lives Onboard
The Story:
On January 23, 2026, Indonesian rescuers confirmed the discovery of all 10 bodies from a fishery surveillance plane that went missing in South Sulawesi province on January 17, 2026. The ATR 42-500 turboprop, owned by Indonesia Air Transport (IAT), lost contact with air traffic control near the Maros region. The aircraft was chartered by Indonesia’s Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry to conduct air surveillance. The crash marks Indonesia’s first deadly incident involving the ATR 42 in over a decade.
Key Points:
- Date of Discovery: January 23, 2026.
- Aircraft: ATR 42-500 turboprop, owned by Indonesia Air Transport (IAT).
- Location: Mount Bulusaraung, Maros region, South Sulawesi province, Indonesia.
- Casualties: 10 fatalities (seven crew members and three passengers).
- Purpose of Flight: Fishery surveillance for Indonesia’s Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry.
- Investigation: Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) is investigating the black box.
- Previous Incidents: Last deadly ATR 42 crash in Indonesia was in 2015, involving a Trigana Air Service plane.
Key Takeaways:
- The crash highlights the potential risks associated with air travel, particularly in regions with challenging terrain.
- The Indonesian government’s use of chartered flights for critical surveillance underscores the importance of aviation safety standards.
- The investigation by the KNKT will be crucial in determining the cause of the crash and preventing similar incidents in the future.
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