Traces of ATR 42 Inspection that Fell in Pangkep: Ramp Check to Complete Certificate

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) confirmed that the ATR 42-500 aircraft, which was previously reported missing and then found in the Puncak Bukit Bulusaraung area, Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi, was in a state of being fit to fly before the incident occurred.

Director General of Air Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation Lukman F. Laisa said the conclusion was based on surveillance data and the results of aviation inspections that had been carried out periodically.

"Based on the data of supervision and the results of the airworthiness inspection, the ATR 42-500 aircraft with registration PK-THT was declared to meet the airworthiness requirements," said Lukman in a statement in Jakarta, Antara, Monday, January 19.

He explained that the last inspection in the form of a ramp check was carried out on November 19, 2025 at Sam Ratulangi Airport, Manado, by the Maritime Inspector of the Manado VIII Regional Airport Authority Office.

In addition, the inspection of the extension of the Certificate of Airworthiness or Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) was carried out on September 3, 2025. Meanwhile, the last inspection by the Indonesian Air Transport (IAT) operator was carried out according to the maintenance program Calendar Month 4.5 months at a total flight time of 24,959.62 flight hours, precisely on December 25, 2025.

"The data shows that the aircraft has undergone regular inspections and periodic aviation supervision in accordance with applicable regulations," said Lukman.

The ATR 42-500 aircraft was previously reported missing before it was finally found in a search and rescue operation conducted by the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) on Sunday, January 18.

Deputy Operations and Preparedness of Basarnas Edy Prakoso said the aircraft was found by the ground SAR team after an initial report of aircraft debris was detected from the air.

According to Edy, the initial indication of the aircraft's presence was monitored at around 07.17 Wita when the air patrol aircraft reported white debris in the Bukit Bulusaraung area. The findings were then confirmed again by the SAR helicopter.

At around 08.02 Wita, the ground SAR team found a large debris on the north side of the hilltop. Not long after, at 08.09 Wita, the fuselage was successfully found and then further identification process was carried out.

Edy added, until now the evacuation process is still considering the weather factor at the location, especially the high wind speed and foggy conditions. The SAR helicopter is still trying to find a safe point to lower personnel at the nearest location from the position of the fuselage.