Indonesian Air Force Deploys Caracal H225M to Aid ATR 42-500 Crash Recovery.
Key Points
- 1Indonesian Air Force deployed a Caracal H225M helicopter and a Boeing 737-200 to the ATR 42-500 crash site on Mount Bulusaraung.
- 2The H225M is supporting the joint search and rescue (SAR) teams, including Korpasgat and Basarnas, for victim and wreckage evacuation.
- 3Challenging terrain, steep cliffs, and thick fog on Mount Bulusaraung are significantly slowing the recovery and evacuation process.
- 4The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has opened an investigation into the crash of the Indonesia Air Transport turboprop.
The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has deployed air assets to aid the ongoing recovery effort. This follows the ATR 42-500 crash on the slopes of Mount Bulusaraung in South Sulawesi. The turboprop aircraft, operated by Indonesia Air Transport, lost contact on January 17, 2026. It was flying from Yogyakarta to Makassar. The flight was a maritime surveillance mission. There were 10 people on board the aircraft.
Air Assets and Mission Support
The Air Force deployed a Caracal H225M helicopter. This helicopter is crucial for the evacuation support. It transports personnel from Korpasgat and Basarnas. Korpasgat is the air force's rapid response unit. Basarnas is the National Search and Rescue Agency. The Caracal also delivers essential logistics to the joint SAR teams.
In addition, a Boeing 737-200 aircraft was deployed. This fixed-wing asset conducts aerial surveillance missions. Its role is to map the crash area and monitor field conditions. This helps determine priority evacuation zones in the mountainous region. The air assets were vital in initially locating the wreckage.
Challenging Recovery Conditions
Recovery efforts face significant challenges at the crash site. Mount Bulusaraung is known for its difficult karst landscape. The area has steep cliffs and sharp rocks. Thick fog and extreme weather conditions also hinder the operation. Authorities are prioritizing victim evacuation. They hope the additional air assets will maximize results. Preliminary analysis suggests the crash was a likely controlled flight into terrain.
Investigation Underway
Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry has opened an investigation. The aviation safety investigation is led by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT). The KNKT will release official findings in line with regulations. No conclusions on the cause have been reached. Weather conditions are among the factors being examined. The sole objective of the investigation is to prevent future accidents.
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