Smart Air's missing plane found in Indonesia's North Kalimantan forest; one crew still alive


Image from Bernama

JAKARTA (Bernama): The Indonesian rescue team discovered two crew members and Pilatus aircraft of Smart Air that went missing last Friday in the nearby forest of Benuang, Nunukan, on Sunday, an official said.

The PT Smart Aviation aircraft, carrying essential goods bound for Krayan, Nunukan, lost contact three hours after departing from Juwata Tarakan Airport last Friday morning.

The Tarakan Search and Rescue Office (Basarnas) confirmed that aircraft engineer Deni Sobali, 27, was found deceased, while Pilot Captain M. Yusuf, 29, was discovered alive following the crash.

Basarnas Tarakan head Syahril in a statement noted that the pilot was taken to Malinau, while the engineer’s body was transported to Tarakan before being sent to the hospital.

A rappelling technique was employed during the rescue operation at 4.36 pm local time, involving the deployment of 10 rescuers consisting of personnel from Basarnas, police, and the military.

The rescue team also utilised an air force-owned Boeing 737-200 aircraft to locate the crash site, and two military-owned helicopters were deployed during the evacuation process. - Bernama

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

India Air Force lands heavy-lift military aircraft at highest altitude
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (Nov 7, 2026)
Ramayana: ancient Hindu epic and India's most expensive film
Back from Singapore for nephew’s wedding, Indian man allegedly shot dead by Faridabad neighbour over parking dispute
Thai celebrity Panadda and husband remanded for 12 days in donation case
Vietnam govt seeks National Assembly approval for three expressways worth US$6.3bil
Flash floods hit Penang mainland after heavy rain
Fire at India oil facility kills three, injures four
Korea eases visa rules for foreign-born children seeking recognition of Korean parentage
Singapore's former senior parliamentary secretary Lee Yiok Seng, who was behind housing efforts, dies at 87

Air Pollutant Index

Note: API is calculated based on 24hr running average of the most dominant parameter.

Highest API Readings

    Select State and Location to view the latest API reading

    Others Also Read