ATR 42-500 Indonesia Air Transport Aircraft Lost Contact in South Sulawesi, Here is the Complete Specification

The ATR 42-500 variant was introduced in the mid-1990s (photo: x @ELMObrokenWings)

JAKARTA - An ATR 42-500 aircraft belonging to Indonesia Air Transport was reported missing contact while flying from Yogyakarta to Makassar, Saturday, January 17. Information about the loss of contact with the aircraft was received by aviation authorities at around 13.17 WITA, when the aircraft was entering the airspace of South Sulawesi.

Based on the initial data received, the plane was suspected to be in the border area of Maros Regency and Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi, with an estimated coordinate of 04°57'08" South Latitude and 119°42'54" East Longitude. Until this news was released, the coordination and monitoring process is still being carried out by the parties concerned.

The aircraft that was reported missing was an ATR 42-500, a turboprop-powered passenger plane that is widely used on regional or short- to medium-distance routes in various countries, including Indonesia. This type is widely known for its ability to operate at small airports and short runways, conditions commonly found in the archipelago.

Designed Specifically for Regional Flights

The ATR 42-500 is produced by Avions de Transport Régional (ATR), a joint venture between the French and Italian aviation industries. This aircraft is an expansion of the ATR 42 family, which was first introduced in the 1980s and has become one of the backbone of regional aviation in the world.

In terms of design, the ATR 42-500 is designed for high operational efficiency, especially on routes with dense frequencies but relatively short distances. This aircraft has a capacity of around 46 to 48 passengers, depending on the cabin configuration used by the operator.

Engines and Flight Performance

The ATR 42-500 aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 turboprop engines. These engines are known to have a balance between fuel efficiency and stable performance, especially for regional flights that require many phases of ascent and descent.

In terms of performance, the ATR 42-500 has a cruising speed of around 556 kilometers per hour, or the equivalent of 300 knots. The maximum flight altitude of this aircraft reaches around 7,620 meters or 25,000 feet, which is commonly used on regional flights to maintain fuel efficiency and comfort.

For mileage, the ATR 42-500 is capable of reaching up to around 2,000 kilometers, depending on passenger load, weather conditions, and operational configuration. This ability makes it ideal for routes such as Yogyakarta-Makassar, which are medium-distance categories.

Operational Excellence at Small Airports

One of the main advantages of the ATR 42-500 is its ability to take off and land on short runways. With relatively limited runway length, the aircraft is still able to operate optimally, making it the airline's main choice for regions with limited airport infrastructure.

In addition, the avionics system on the ATR 42-500 has used digital technology that helps pilots in navigation, engine monitoring, and flight management, especially when operating in areas with challenging geographical conditions.

Production and Use History

The ATR 42-500 variant was introduced in the mid-1990s as an upgraded version of the previous series, with more powerful engines and six-bladed propellers that are quieter. Globally, hundreds of ATR 42 units of various variants have been produced and used by regional airlines in Asia, Europe, Africa, to Latin America.

In Indonesia, ATR-type aircraft are widely known for being suitable for the characteristics of the archipelago and the need for inter-regional connectivity.

The monitoring process is still ongoing.

Until now, the authorities are still monitoring and collecting information related to the loss of contact with the ATR 42-500 aircraft. Cross-agency coordination continues to be carried out to ensure the aircraft's last position and the next steps.

The latest developments related to this incident are still awaited, while the public hopes that the search and tracing process can immediately provide clarity regarding the condition of the aircraft and all passengers and crew on board.

Main Data Aspects Manufacturer ATR (France & Italy) Engine 2 × Pratt & Whitney PW127 Seats ± 46-48 Cruising speed ≈ 556 km/h Range ~ 2,000 km First flight 16 Aug 1984 Production 1984-present Reported accidents Several incidents in various variants Operating costs $4,874/hour