Fuel Transport Aircraft Reported Crashed in Krayan, North Kalimantan

A fuel transport aircraft has reportedly crashed in the hilly terrain of Krayan, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan. Thick black smoke was seen billowing from behind the hills shortly after the aircraft took off.

Citing Detik on Thursday (19 February), dense smoke emerged from the direction of the hills along the aircraft’s flight path.

The aircraft had just completed delivering fuel supplies at Yuvai Semaring Airport. Weather conditions in Krayan at the time were reported to be overcast and dark.

An eyewitness at the scene, identified as Aboy, recounted the moments when he saw the aircraft lose control. According to him, the aircraft appeared to sway before ultimately crashing.

“I witnessed the aircraft crash with my own eyes. The aircraft was flying and was about to turn left. What I saw was that a part of the aircraft detached and flew off, followed by the aircraft swaying,” Aboy said.

Aboy added that when the aircraft hit the ground, there were no immediate signs of fire. However, after several minutes, thick black smoke began to rise from the crash site.

“After it crashed, there were no signs of an explosion, fire, or smoke, but after a few minutes it was followed by black smoke,” he continued.

Local residents in Krayan Subdistrict immediately coordinated efforts to locate the precise coordinates of the crash site. Initial indications suggest the aircraft came down in a remote, hard-to-reach forested area.

“The crash location is estimated to be near Pa’ Belaban Village, specifically in the area of Pa’ Remayo Waterfall, East Krayan Subdistrict,” he concluded.

As of the time of publication, there had been no official statement from the airline or airport authorities regarding the number of crew members on board or the precise cause of the accident. Search and rescue teams along with local residents were reported to be preparing to head to the suspected crash site.