An Indonesia plane crash has claimed at least two lives after a chartered turboprop aircraft struck a mountain in eastern Indonesia. Rescue officials confirmed on Monday that a second body was recovered from the crash site. The aircraft went missing on Saturday while flying over Sulawesi island.
The plane was carrying 10 people, including three civil servants and seven crew members. Authorities said harsh weather and difficult terrain continue to slow search and recovery operations.
The Indonesia plane crash involved a turboprop aircraft operated by Indonesian Air Transport. The plane lost contact with air traffic control shortly before impact. Officials said the aircraft crashed into Mount Bulusaraung, a rugged and heavily forested area.
The flight was traveling from Yogyakarta to Makassar. It had been chartered by Indonesia’s fisheries ministry. The mission was to monitor marine resources across the region, according to government officials.
Mohammad Syafii, head of Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency, confirmed the recovery of a second victim. He said the latest body identified was a woman. A man’s body had been found on Sunday, bringing the confirmed death toll to two.
Eight people remain missing. Rescue teams are continuing ground and aerial searches. Weather conditions have remained poor, with fog, rain, and strong winds limiting visibility.
Authorities said evacuation of the recovered bodies has not yet been possible. Steep slopes and unstable ground near the crash site have made access extremely difficult. Helicopters have been grounded for long periods due to unsafe flying conditions.
Search teams have located several parts of the aircraft. These include sections of the fuselage, the tail, and scattered windows. However, the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have not yet been found.
Officials said locating the black box is a top priority. It is expected to provide critical information about the aircraft’s final moments. Investigators believe the data will help determine whether weather, terrain, or technical issues played a role.
The Indonesia plane crash has once again highlighted the challenges of aviation safety in the country. Indonesia relies heavily on air travel due to its vast geography and thousands of islands. Many remote regions depend on small aircraft for essential travel.
Over the years, Indonesia has recorded several fatal air accidents. Investigators have often cited difficult weather, mountainous terrain, and aging aircraft fleets as contributing factors. Safety oversight has improved, but risks remain, especially on chartered and regional flights.
Recent incidents have included deadly helicopter crashes in South Kalimantan and Papua. These accidents have raised concerns about operational standards in challenging environments. Aviation experts say flying in remote regions requires strict adherence to safety protocols.
Authorities said a full investigation into the Indonesia plane crash will begin once the wreckage is secured. The transport ministry is expected to lead the inquiry with support from aviation safety agencies.
Families of those on board have been informed of the latest developments. Officials said counseling and support services are being arranged. The government has promised transparency as the investigation moves forward.
The Indonesia plane crash remains under active investigation as rescuers continue to search for the missing passengers and crew. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with safety teams working against difficult weather and terrain. Authorities say updates will be provided as soon as new information becomes available.
References
AFP. (2026). Second body recovered after Indonesia plane crash. January 19, 2026.