Indonesian ATR 42-500 with 11 onboard goes missing near Makassar; debris spotted on mountain

ATR 42-500 missing near Makassar

An Indonesian ATR 42‑500 aircraft has disappeared near Makassar, with social media videos suggesting debris on a nearby mountain, flight‑tracking data and local media reports indicate.

FlightRadar24 reported that the ATR 42‑500, operated by the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, vanished from radar while flying at low altitude over the ocean, which limited tracking coverage. The last signal from the aircraft was recorded at 04:20 UTC, roughly 20 km (12 miles) northeast of Makassar Airport. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), FlightRadar24 said the plane was missing and that its radar coverage was reduced due to its low flight path.

We are following reports in local media that an ATR 42-500, registration PK-THT, is missing in Indonesia.The aircraft was flying over the ocean at low altitude, so our coverage was limited. We received the last signal at 04:20 UTC, about 20 km northeast of Makassar Airport.… pic.twitter.com/7qSroxEXfT

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) January 17, 2026

Local outlets reported that contact with the aircraft was lost at about 13:17 local time. The flight was carrying 11 people, including eight crew members and three passengers.

Videos shared online appear to show fiery wreckage on steep slopes near the summit of Mount Bulu Saraung. The footage, posted by users on social platforms, depicts dense fog, belongings scattered across rocky terrain and a small blaze that bystanders attempted to put out.

According to the local coverage, the ATR 42‑500 disappeared from radar as it was approaching Makassar Airport after receiving routing instructions from air traffic control.

Indonesian authorities have yet to officially confirm a crash. Andi Sultan, head of operations at Indonesia’s search and rescue agency in Makassar, told local media that rescue teams were being sent to the area. Further details about the condition of those on board have not been released.