A search and rescue team in Indonesia have found the wreckage of an ATR 42-500 that lost contact and crashed in a mountainous region while approaching Makassar-Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) on Sulawesi.
The ATR 42-500, operated by Indonesia Air Transport for the Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP), left Yogyakarta Adisucipto International Airport (JOG) on January 17, 2026, shortly after 08:00, local time and reportedly lost contact around 13:15.
Early reports suggested that there were 11 people onboard the flight, but local media is now reporting that there were 10 people traveling when the aircraft crashed.
It is understood that seven crew members and three passengers were on board the 25-year-old ATR 42-500, registered PK-THT.
Indonesia’s search and rescue team (Basarnas) said that they found the wreckage on a mountain peak at 08:50 on January 18, 2026.
Serpihan pesawat ATR 42-500 milik Indonesia Air Transport di Bukit Bulusaraung, Kabupaten Pangkep, Sulawesi Selatan, Minggu (18/1). pic.twitter.com/mzduplqzOo
— Akuratco (@akuratco) January 18, 2026
Local website Tribun News said that Commander of XIV/Hasanuddin Military Region, Major General TNI Bangun Nawoko, confirmed that one victim had so far been found.
“Today, our team has not only successfully recovered some debris from the plane, but I also assured the team via radio that one victim has been found,” the commander said.
He added: “We can’t yet provide details about the victim’s condition here. What’s clear is that this will require considerable effort, as the conditions are extraordinary, and it’s quite closed in, foggy, and very difficult.”
The ATR wreckage was found at 1,353 meters above sea level, and a one-kilometer search radius has been placed around the crash site.
In a statement the Indonesian government said: “The extended family of the Ministry of Transportation expressed its deep condolences for the disaster of the Indonesia Air Transport PK-THT aircraft. The current priority is search and rescue efforts, and ensuring that the entire process is carried out professionally, coordinated, and according to procedure.”
Keluarga besar Kementerian Perhubungan menyampaikan duka mendalam atas musibah pesawat Indonesia Air Transport PK-THT.
Prioritas saat ini adalah upaya pencarian dan penyelamatan, serta memastikan seluruh proses dilakukan secara profesional, terkoordinasi, dan sesuai prosedur. pic.twitter.com/gi0EN2H1oW
— Kemenhub RI (@kemenhub151) January 18, 2026
According to the website Aviation Safety, the ATR was cleared by air traffic control for an approach on Runway 21 at APG.
In a statement ATR said: “ATR has been informed that an accident occurred in Indonesia involving an ATR 42-500. Our first thoughts are with all the individuals affected by the accident. The ATR specialists are fully engaged to support both the investigation led by the Indonesian authorities and the operator.”
