Two killed in chopper crash

Two killed in chopper crash

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A Puma helicopter owned by Pelita Air Service company crashed Saturday evening on a small island between Tarakan and Nunukan islands, killing the pilot and copilot.

Antara quoted Tarakan's Juata Airport administrator, Zainuddin CM, as confirming that pilot Heru Wibowo and copilot Budi Setiarso, the only two on board, were killed in the accident, which took place in the vicinity of Sembakung district, Bulungan regency.

The aircraft had been airborne for 10 minutes on a trip ferrying supplies in a sling to a nearby oil rig. Tarakan is 1,300 km (800 miles) northeast of Jakarta.

The report did not specify the cause of the accident.

The bodies of the two victims were brought to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport and buried in Jakarta yesterday afternoon. (swe)