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Luke has over a decade of experience as a travel writer and aviation analyst. As a passionate traveler based across the Middle East and Asia, Luke offers strong insights into the industry. Based in South East Asia.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Last Updated: 05:40 AM EST JAN 17 2026 by Luke Bodell
An ATR 42 used by the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has crashed while on approach to Makassar Airport (UPG). The aircraft disappeared from radar while flying over the ocean at a low altitude, and had a total of 11 souls onboard, consisting of eight crew members and three passengers.
Early images posted to social media show a fiery wreckage in dense mountainous terrain, with reports suggesting the accident happened after the plane was given route instructions by air traffic control (ATC) for its approach. The aircraft involved was a 25-year-old ATR 42-500 with the registration PK-THT, and was operated by Indonesia Air on behalf of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
Indonesian Ministry ATR 42 Wreckage In Mountain
The government-owned turboprop crashed into a mountain near Bantimurung–Bulusaraung National Park, which is located north of Makassar. Pictures reportedly taken by local hikers in the national park show the fiery aftermath of the crash. At this early stage, authorities have not confirmed the crash, nor have there been any updates on the 11 people onboard.
As reported by Flightradar24, the aircraft dropped off radar screens after its final signal was received at 04:20 UTC, around 20 km northeast of Makassar Airport. Data from Flightradar24 shows its last recorded ground speed was 221 knots, while flying at an altitude of 5,150 feet, at 04:20 UTC. Its previous signal came 15 minutes before at 04:05 UTC, when the aircraft was flying at 6,150 feet over the Pabbiring Islands off the coast of Makassar.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
